Steelers have clear plan at quarterback in place

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in unfamiliar territory—at least by their historical standards. After nearly two decades with a future Hall of Fame quarterback under center, the team is now navigating life without a long-term franchise signal-caller. For many fans who grew up watching Ben Roethlisberger, the idea of not having a reliable starter is a new and frustrating reality.

Since Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have cycled through five different starting quarterbacks:

• Mitch Trubisky – 7 starts (2-5)
• Kenny Pickett – 24 starts (14-10)
• Mason Rudolph – 4 starts (3-1)
• Justin Fields – 6 starts (4-2)
• Russell Wilson – 12 starts (6-6)

That list is expected to grow in 2025, with Aaron Rodgers as the likely candidate to take over. If Rodgers goes elsewhere or doesn’t play, Mason Rudolph would be next in line. However, the Steelers’ approach to the quarterback position makes it clear that their focus extends beyond the upcoming season.

Pittsburgh has reportedly been cautious with Rodgers, offering only a one-year deal. They also declined to match the New York Jets’ offer for Justin Fields, despite widespread reports that he was their top choice. Additionally, they steered clear of trading for Geno Smith and avoided overpaying for Sam Darnold. Instead, the Steelers have been accumulating compensatory picks, stockpiling draft assets in a way reminiscent of a long-term rebuilding strategy.

Currently, Pittsburgh holds the maximum four compensatory picks for the 2026 draft:

• Third-round comp – LT Dan Moore
• Fourth-round comp – QB Justin Fields
• Fifth-round comp – QB Russell Wilson (could become a third-round pick if incentives are met)
• Sixth-round comp – RG James Daniels

These additional selections will likely serve as trade capital to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft in pursuit of their next franchise quarterback. While compensatory picks alone won’t be enough to secure a top selection, Pittsburgh could follow a blueprint similar to what the Buffalo Bills did in 2018 to draft Josh Allen.

In that scenario, the Bills moved up from No. 21 to No. 12 in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, then packaged additional picks to jump to No. 7, where they selected Allen. If the Steelers hold the 22nd pick next season—an outcome that seems likely given their consistent ability to win at least nine games—they will have a total of 11 draft selections at their disposal:

• Round 1, Pick 22
• Round 2, Pick 43
• Round 3, Pick 84
• Round 3 (compensatory)
• Round 4, Pick 123
• Round 4 (compensatory)
• Round 5, Pick 163
• Round 5 (compensatory)
• Round 6, Pick 194
• Round 6 (compensatory)
• Round 7, Pick 225

Using these assets, the Steelers could replicate Buffalo’s approach by trading up into the top 12 before making another leap into the 5-7 range to secure a top quarterback prospect. This move would require packaging multiple picks—potentially including a future first-rounder in 2027—but if that’s the cost of finding a franchise quarterback, Pittsburgh seems prepared to pay it.

With the 2026 NFL Draft taking place in Pittsburgh, the stage is set for the Steelers to make a bold move. They have positioned themselves well to execute a trade, ensuring they don’t remain stuck in quarterback limbo for much longer.