Aaron Rodgers was always going to be a one-year solution for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the potential that maybe he had another year or two left in him.
The Steelers signed Rodgers to a one-year contract, and with the 2026 NFL Draft having plenty of quality quarterbacks, the team needs to start thinking about the future. In the latest mock draft, PFSN’s Max Dorsey called this selection a “no-brainer” for Mike Tomlin and the organization.
Pittsburgh Steelers Projected to Select Garrett Nussmeier
Nussmeier’s performance in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl won’t soon be forgotten by scouts or fans. Jayden Daniels’ backup made a huge impact to end the 2023 season as he threw for 395 yards and three touchdowns against the Wisconsin Badgers.
It’s a game that LSU won, 35-31, and was the turning point as Nussmeier proved that he was ready for the starting job. That bowl performance showed he could handle pressure and deliver when it mattered most.
With Rodgers saying that 2025 will “likely” be his last season, it’s no wonder why Dorsey called this selection a no-brainer. While LSU was just 8-4 last season, three of their four losses came to teams that were ranked at that time. Nussmeier improved to 3-0 in bowl games after another 300-plus yard and three touchdown performance in last season’s Texas Bowl victory, showing he steps up in big moments.
Dating back to 2022, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound quarterback has shown real potential. He went 15-27 with two touchdowns and an interception in the Tigers’ 50-30 SEC Championship game loss to Georgia.
His 294 yards in that game were a huge sign of development as it was the first time he reached that mark. The 2024 season was Nussmeier’s first full year as a starter, with him surpassing the 4,000-yard mark and proving he could carry the load week after week.
#LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier (6-2, 200)
In-rhythm passer with clean footwork. Flexible arm to make standout completions. Confidently throws to spots with fearless anticipation. pic.twitter.com/JeaY6x7Yib
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) May 16, 2025
Perfect Mentorship Opportunity For Aaron Rodgers
If Rodgers would return for 2026, he could mentor Nussmeier similar to what he did with Jordan Love in Green Bay. The former Packers quarterback wasn’t too happy with the Love selection at the time, but knowing his career is winding down, things could be handled much differently in Pittsburgh. Rodgers has mellowed over the years and understands the business side better now.
Even if Rodgers does return for another season or two, the Steelers would be missing out on their future by not drafting someone like Nussmeier. The team has struggled to find consistent quarterback play for years, and waiting too long could mean missing out on a franchise player. Getting a young quarterback in place now gives them options and flexibility moving forward.
In this mock draft, Nussmeier falls to No. 19 overall. He would be the fifth quarterback selected, falling behind No. 1 Cade Klubnik, No. 2 Arch Manning, No. 7 Drew Allar, and No. 10 LaNorris Sellers. That’s solid company, and landing at 19 would give Pittsburgh excellent value for a potential franchise quarterback.
The Tigers will open their season with a huge showdown against Clemson as they look to avoid an 0-1 start for the fifth straight season. LSU has not won their Week 1 game since 2019 when Joe Burrow led them to a National Championship. That early test against Clemson will show a lot about how Nussmeier handles the spotlight and pressure.
Nussmeier completed 64.2% of his passes last season, finishing with 29 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. Those numbers show good accuracy and decision-making for a first-year starter. He’s not a threat on his feet, as his longest run of the season was just 14 yards. He had three rushing touchdowns, but it’s not a common element of his game. For the Steelers, that pocket-passing style would fit perfectly with their offensive philosophy.
