The Pittsburgh Steelers are going as all-in as you can around a quarterback who’s on the other side of 40 with Aaron Rodgers. Adding the former champion to the roster, they’ve also tried to improve the supporting cast around him with the additions of DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith, while adding to the defense with veterans like Jalen Ramsey.
The end goal for the Steelers is relatively straightforward. A nearly decade-long streak of playoff losses needs a rewrite, and Rodgers could be the one at the center of the script. However, there is a good chance the experiment doesn’t last beyond one season in Pittsburgh. In that case, one analyst believes the Steelers should do everything in their power to secure the future of the quarterback position for the franchise.
Can the Pittsburgh Steelers Rebound to a Rookie Quarterback?
Since Ben Roethlisberger called it quits, the organization has been struggling to find stability at the quarterback spot, with many names, from Mason Rudolph to Kenny Pickett, holding down the fort in brief stints.
With Rodgers, the Steelers have a chance of finding some semblance of that stability. As a four-time MVP and bona fide legend, Rodgers brings some gravitas and value to the position. However, in his last few outings, he hasn’t been the same superstar that wowed the league as a whole.
As a result, there is genuine skepticism about his chances with Pittsburgh, as he joins them on a potential one-year deal. And for those who don’t think this partnership is going to yield fruit, the alternative for the Steelers is to find a potential franchise quarterback in the draft.
The latest mock draft from PFSN, courtesy of analyst Mark Stolte, sees head coach Mike Tomlin and Co. go further. After earning the 10th pick in the draft, Stolte has them trading up to the seventh overall spot, in exchange for the 10th and a first-round pick in 2027 as well.
The reason? To draft Garrett Nussmeier out of LSU to be their next QB1. Taking over the starting job from Jayden Daniels for the Tigers, he put up 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, while operating as a pure pocket passer. And that could be immediately beneficial for the Steelers.
2:46 of Garrett Nussmeier’s off platform/on the move throws (+ scrambles!) from the 2024 season. pic.twitter.com/gJEMODQ9Cv
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) May 21, 2025
“The Steelers have no future at quarterback and are still competent at the majority of positions, meaning they need one quickly. Insert Garrett Nussmeier, and maybe the Steelers have a fighting chance. Nussmeier’s best skills are accuracy and pocket management. His 9.8% pressure-to-sack ratio ranked 12th among FBS quarterbacks last season, and his adjusted completion percentage was in the top half.”
Even though he is the fifth quarterback on Stolte’s personal board, he still sees the upside in Pittsburgh’s rather desperate situation, especially if the 2025 season doesn’t go according to plan.
A better solution might not be more readily available for a franchise that has been looking for a permanent solution to its quarterback conundrums.
