In 2022, it was assumed that Kenny Pickett was the quarterback of the future for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pickett was drafted in the first round and was assumed to be the Steelers’ QB for the next decade or more. However, Pickett was kicked to the curb after only two seasons. Head coach Mike Tomlin determined that Pickett was not the long-term solution. Last year, Russell Wilson served as a stopgap with Justin Fields as the backup. Now the Steelers are scrambling with Wilson and Fields having departed. Pittsburgh’s QB uncertainty has harmed their NFL future Odds.
2025 NFL Pittsburgh Steelers
| Dates: | April 24-26, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| SBG Odds to Win Super Bowl Championship: | +3500 |
| 2025 SBG NFL Draft Odds: | Click Here |
2025 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft Team Preview
The Steelers rode a 10-3 offshore betting start to another playoff berth under head coach Mike Tomlin. Despite lingering questions at quarterback. A 0-5 finish, including a wild-card loss to the rival Ravens, was a truer embodiment of this Steelers team. To show, Pittsburgh ultimately couldn’t compete with the league’s best with Russell Wilson under center.
Despite the ensuing noise around Tomlin, the Steelers’ issues, like they have for several seasons, start at quarterback. The problem is there’s no obvious solution. Their upside is capped with Wilson. And they’ve already determined that he’s a better option than Justin Fields. Finding a difference-maker in free agency or the draft with the No. 21 pick is not a high-percentage play. But the Steelers will be forced to try. Everything else this offseason is secondary.
Their first big 2025 NFL futures swing happened via trade as they got wide receiver DK Metcalf for a second-round draft pick. The Steelers enter the offseason with an estimated $42 million in salary cap space. Following the release of LB Preston Smith, who is in the top half of the NFL. Signing a veteran quarterback and Metcalf’s extension would eat a significant chunk of that space.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Summary
Overall, the top three needs for Pittsburgh are at DT, RB, and QB. The Steelers still don’t have a decision from Aaron Rodgers, making quarterback a priority in the draft. Beyond QB, the Steelers still must reload on the defensive line with Larry Ogunjobi’s departure in free agency and Cam Heyward turning 36 in May.
Pittsburgh also added Kenneth Gainwell to help replace Najee Harris in the ground game. But getting another running back to join Gainwell and Jaylen Warren would be a big boost for a team that wants to have a run-first offense.
The top prospect to fill a need outside Round 1 for Pittsburgh is Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa. Specifically, Johnson is a throwback runner with power at the point of impact, the agility to bounce runs outside, and impressive downhill speed. He’s ideal for the Steelers’ scheme and mentality.
Even if the Steelers get Rodgers to sign, they should prioritize selecting a quarterback in the early rounds. Perhaps they are a good landing spot for Shedeur Sanders if he slides in the first round. Also, Jaxson Dart could be another intriguing option at No. 21.
Pittsburgh doesn’t need to worry about getting immediate help for Rodgers if and when he signs. Cause by acquiring DK Metcalf to team up with George Pickens. Also, the Steelers wisely invested first-round picks on tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu. But the star-studded Steelers defense needs a playmaker at cornerback. Joey Porter Jr. has been up-and-down, and Darius Slay is in his age-34 season.