It's no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers need a young, franchise-altering quarterback. They have had this need ever since the end of the Ben Roethlisberger era, and they have repeatedly failed to replace him, whether it was bad decision-making, poor development, or a combination of both. Aaron Rodgers is nothing more than a bridge quarterback, as he already announced that 2025 likely his last year in the NFL, so the team is looking into 2026 to see what is available for them.
While making an appearance on Sportsline with George Von Benko, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about the future plans at quarterback. While 2026 seems like the obvious answer, Fittipaldo isn't entirely sold that that will happen.
"It's going to depend on where they finish," Fittipaldo explained. "If they have a really good year and they qualify for the playoffs, and let's say they win a [playoff] game, it's going to be hard to trade up from number 24 or number 25, so we're going to have to wait and see how that plays out, but all indications are that there are going to be four, five, or six quarterbacks drafted in the first round this year."
The Steelers won't be the only quarterback-hungry team in 2026. it is very likely that teams like the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Rams will also be looking for their new franchise player then, and they could have much better draft picks than Pittsburgh. The number that Fittipaldo mentioned shrinks with the report that Arch Manning would most likely stay in college for another year, making the draft class weaker.
Fittipaldo continued on, explaining what could happen if the Steelers either can't trade up to get their guy and/or don't like the prospects available at their pick.
"The one thing that I've been told about not only the '26 draft, but the '27 draft: both drafts are really good for quarterbacks," Fittipaldo said.C "Coaches know what's coming down the line, and it's not just the '26 draft. The '27 draft is loaded with QBs as well, so if you don't get one in '26, you can go get one in '27."
Speaking of Manning, his decision to stay in school for another year and weaken the 2026 draft would lead to the 2027 draft being strengthened. If everything Fittipaldo said was true, the Steelers may be encouraged to wait another year before risking everything to get the quarterback they want. Also like he said, where Pittsburgh finishes after the 2025 season could dictate what they choose to do afterwards.
Steelers' Plans With 2026 Draft Picks
After all the moves that the Steelers made in the 2025 offseason, they are projected to have 12 picks in their possession for the next draft: eight currently owned, and four more compensatory picks expected to be awarded to them. Each comp pick is expected to be in rounds 3-6, with the potential of some of them being higher up in the draft. With all that capital in hand, 2026 may be the right time to make a move.
Alternatively, the Steelers could use those picks to build around their future quarterback that they pick in 2027. They can load up on more weapons, maybe a new offensive guard if Isaac Seumalo is let go, and some reinforcements on the defense to make life easier on the young offense. The Steelers do have a lot of options on the table, but fans and staff members alike are growing very impatient with the team.
Would the Steelers truly be willing to trot out Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in 2026 and pass up on the chance to finally solve their quarterback woes for another year? A trade-up could be very expensive, but sometimes, you get what you pay for. Pittsburgh can't keep going to the bargain bin to find a passer. Eventually, they'll have to pay up, or else they'll be stuck in quarterback purgatory for a very long time.
