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Steelers QB options: Pittsburgh to target QB even if Aaron Rodgers signs
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- Steelers QB options: Pittsburgh to target QB even if Aaron Rodgers signs
The Pittsburgh Steelers are widely expected to sign Aaron Rodgers to be their quarterback for the 2025 NFL season – and potentially beyond.
That said, signing Rodgers won't necessarily stop Pittsburgh from selecting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft .
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The Steelers will be "in the market for a quarterback early in the draft" regardless of whether Rodgers signs with the team, per ESPN's Jordan Reid .
Rodgers will turn 42 in December and would likely only represent a short-term stopgap option for the Steelers. As such, adding a talented prospect to develop behind the four-time MVP is a sensible proposition.
The only question is about when the Steelers might select a quarterback . They have just two picks in the first three rounds after trading their second-round selection to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the DK Metcalf trade .
Could Pittsburgh use a first-round pick on a quarterback, or would they wait until the latter half of Day 2 or Day 3 to address the position? Below is a run-down of some of their options.
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Steelers QB options in 2025 NFL draft
Day 1
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Shedeur Sanders , Colorado
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Jaxson Dart , Ole Miss
The Steelers have the 21st selection in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. That may price them out of range for Sanders, but if the Colorado product slips to them, Mike Tomlin and Co. could consider taking the talented passer and making him Rodgers' successor.
Dart is more likely to be available for Pittsburgh, and his combination of toughness, mobility and arm talent may intrigue the team. That said, he could also remind the Steelers a bit of Kenny Pickett , so that may steer the team in a different direction at quarterback.
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Day 2
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Jalen Milroe , Alabama
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Tyler Shough , Louisville
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Kyle McCord , Syracuse
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Will Howard , Ohio State
The Steelers may not be in range to land Milroe and Shough, who have been popularly projected to be second-round picks. That said, either would be a good fit in Pittsburgh if they slip to the third round. Milroe would a top-tier, athletic runner who needs to improve his consistency as a passer while Shough's arm talent and seven years of college experience could allow him to quickly emerge as a high-end backup or solid starter.
McCord and Howard are likelier to be on the board for the Steelers. McCord was better at Syracuse than Ohio State and showed a willingness to take downfield chances in the Orange's pro-style offense. He doesn't have the best arm talent or accuracy, but he could develop into a starter if he can improve his ball placement.
Meanwhile, Howard replaced McCord at Ohio State and led the Buckeyes to a national title. He was steady, accurate and has functional mobility that should allow him to find success at the NFL level. He doesn't have a great arm, but his year-to-year improvement in college showcases his upside while his floor is high enough to make him a quality backup.
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Day 3
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Quinn Ewers , Texas
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Riley Leonard , Notre Dame
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Dillon Gabriel , Oregon
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Kurtis Rourke , Indiana
If the Steelers wait until Day 3, they will have to settle for quarterbacks with upside that also have flaws.
Ewers led Texas to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances but doesn't have a top-tier arm and is a bit too reliant on touch passes. Leonard is a great runner and a tough player, but he wasn't a great downfield passer at Notre Dame. He may be too much of a checkdown artist to develop into a starter despite his solid frame and athleticism.
Gabriel was productive during his college career but is just 5-11, 205 pounds. He doesn't have any standout traits, which could limit his ceiling. Rourke is in a similar boat, as he was productive in college but profiles as more of a solid backup than a true starter.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL draft rumors: Steelers to target QB even if Aaron Rodgers signs
