As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ quarterback situation remains in flux.
With Aaron Rodgers, 41, entering what he has indicated might be his final season, the team is already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft for a potential successor.
One name gaining traction is John Mateer, the Oklahoma Sooners‘ new quarterback and former Washington State standout.
Steelers’ draft strategy: A quarterback for the future
In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, CBS Sports’ Mike Renner projects the Steelers selecting Mateer with the 13th overall pick.
Renner highlights Mateer‘s exceptional arm strength and mobility as key attributes that make him an intriguing prospect for Pittsburgh.
“John Mateer has arguably the best arm talent in the entire draft class and goes to a division in the AFC North where that’s a necessity,” Renner writes.
“He showed growth in his first season as a starter and now has a chance to blow up in his first season with the Sooners after transferring from Washington State.”
Mateer‘s journey to Oklahoma is noteworthy. After spending two seasons as a backup at Washington State, he took over as the starting quarterback in 2024.
That season, he threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading all quarterbacks at independent schools in passing yards and touchdowns.
Additionally, he rushed for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
The Steelers’ quarterback conundrum
Rodgers‘ one-year contract with the Steelers and his age suggest that the team will need to find a long-term solution at quarterback.
Backup Mason Rudolph has been with the team since 2018 but has not established himself as a clear successor.
Rookie Will Howard, who missed all of the 2025 preseason due to a hand injury, is another option, but his development remains uncertain.
If Howard begins the regular season on injured reserve, his opportunity to prove himself as the future quarterback diminishes.
This scenario would likely increase the Steelers‘ interest in selecting a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 draft.
Mateer’s potential impact in 2025
Mateer‘s performance in the upcoming 2025 season at Oklahoma will be crucial in determining his draft stock. ESPN analyst Jordan Reid views Mateer as a potential breakout candidate.
“Mateer has the makings of a riser,” Reid noted in June. “If he performs well in the SEC, he could elevate his draft position significantly.”
With a strong showing this season, Mateer could solidify his status as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, making him an appealing option for the Steelers as they plan for life after Rodgers.
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