The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move in the offseason, acquiring 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers to provide a wealth of experience and keep their playoff hopes alive this season. But with Rodgers clearly not the long-term answer, the search for a true franchise successor is already underway.
One name has emerged as a particularly intriguing possibility, a prospect who could define the team’s direction for the next decade.
Could Oregon’s Dante Moore Be the Perfect Successor to Aaron Rodgers?
The Oregon Ducks have been a dominant force this season, securing an 11-1 record and a spot in the playoffs. A huge part of that success comes from the arm of quarterback Dante Moore. During the regular season, he was exceptional, throwing for 2,733 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions while completing an impressive 72.5% of his passes. Additionally, he proved to be a dual-threat, rushing 57 times for 191 yards and a touchdown.
These impressive skills are why PFSN’s Ayden Stroupe identified Moore as a prime target for Pittsburgh. Stroupe’s analysis included a mock draft scenario where the Steelers would make a bold move, trading up to the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select the quarterback. He projected that Washington would hold the pick and that the Steelers would need to send picks 20, 51, 133, and a 2027 second-rounder to get the deal done.
“Pittsburgh aggressively moves up to secure their franchise quarterback, signaling a new era,” Stroupe wrote. “Dante Moore’s raw arm talent and natural touch on vertical routes give him one of the highest ceilings in the class.”
Stroupe also pointed to the significant progress Moore has made within Oregon’s offensive coordinator, Will Stein’s, system. However, he stressed the importance of finding the proper “structure” for him in the NFL. For any rookie quarterback to reach their full potential, a supportive and well-designed system is essential for their development. The Steelers rank 14th in the PFSN’s Offense Impact Metrics.
“After showing significant strides in Oregon’s offense, he projects as a dynamic playmaker when paired with the proper structure,” he said. “The Steelers bet big that Moore’s best football is still ahead of him, giving the organization renewed hope at the most crucial position. This pick resets the franchise’s long-term direction.”
As Stroupe noted, the Steelers would be banking on the idea that the best is yet to come for the Oregon product. It has been a long time since Pittsburgh had a true franchise quarterback, and a player like Moore, who has 36 career touchdowns, would be stepping into one of the most successful and stable cultures the sport has ever seen.
His accuracy, anticipation, and quick decision-making could fit perfectly within an offense that already features weapons like DK Metcalf, Kenneth Gainwell, and Jaylen Warren. Under the guidance of a veteran offensive coordinator like Arthur Smith, Moore’s professional skill set would have an excellent opportunity to grow and develop.
