The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to be one of the NFL’s biggest wild cards heading into the 2025 NFL Draft — especially when it comes to their quarterback plans. With free agent Aaron Rodgers taking his sweet time, speculation is swirling around whether the Steelers could make a move for their next long-term signal-caller. One name that’s generated a ton of buzz — and confusion — is Shedeur Sanders.
A recent report claimed Sanders’ pre-draft visit with the Steelers went poorly, possibly taking him off Pittsburgh’s board entirely. But not everyone’s buying that narrative. Someone with deep ties to the Steelers’ inner workings is calling it completely false. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, who has covered the team for decades with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, went on “The Rich Eisen Show” to say that the rumor doesn’t match reality.
Steelers Had’ Great Meeting’ With Shedeur Sanders
During his April 18 appearance on Eisen’s show, Dulac was direct when addressing the rumor that Sanders bombed his visit with Pittsburgh.
“Despite whatever post was put out there that he had a terrible meeting [and] it did not go well — nothing could be further from the truth,” Dulac said. “They like the guy. They had a great meeting with him.”
That directly contradicts a report from NFL insider Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, who claimed Sanders’ visit with the Steelers “did not go well” and that Pittsburgh was out of the running. Dulac’s comments, however, line up with multiple other reports that have praised Sanders’ interviews and meetings with teams across the league.
Dulac added that while the Steelers likely wouldn’t take Sanders if they had the No. 1 overall pick, “that doesn’t mean at 21, if certain guys aren’t there, that won’t be in the conversation.” In other words, Pittsburgh is keeping its options open — and Sanders remains very much on the radar.
Jaxson Dart Also Drawing Serious NFL Draft Interest From Steelers
Sanders isn’t the only quarterback Pittsburgh is eyeing. Dulac revealed the Steelers also have a first-round grade on Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, who quietly had one of the best seasons in college football last year. NFL Draft expert Todd McShay recently predicted that Sanders would be picked after Dart in the first round.
“I will tell you, Rich, that they have a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart,” Dulac said. “And they really like Shedeur Sanders.”
The Steelers didn’t send Mike Tomlin or general manager Omar Khan to Dart’s pro day, but assistant GM Andy Weidl, scout Ike Taylor, and wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni were all in attendance. Dart also met with the team at the Senior Bowl and came in for a pre-draft visit, so there’s no shortage of exposure.
Dart threw for over 4,000 yards in 2024, leading Ole Miss to the brink of a College Football Playoff appearance. His mix of arm talent, poise, and leadership reportedly impressed several NFL front offices, including those in Pittsburgh.
Of course, holding a first-round grade doesn’t guarantee a player will be taken in the first round — just ask Mason Rudolph (Pittsburgh had a first-round grade on Rudolph but selected him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft). But with a premium pick at No. 21, and no true QB1 on the roster, the Steelers might not be bluffing this time.
