The Pittsburgh Steelers may soon pivot from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a long-term solution in the NFL Draft.
With Rodgers still weighing his options in free agency, insiders now suggest that the franchise is preparing to move forward – and Shedeur Sanders could be their top target.
Rodgers has met with multiple teams, including the Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, but has yet to make a decision on his next chapter.
As the delay drags on, Pittsburgh appears to be losing patience and considering an alternate path: building around a young quarterback through the draft.
According to Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus, the Steelers may use their No. 21 overall pick to select Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado.
Once touted as a potential top-five pick, Sanders has seen his draft stock fall slightly, opening the door for a mid-to-late first-round selection.
“While Aaron Rodgers holds out hope that Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings will call, the Steelers are waiting in limbo. But good things come to those who are patient, and Sanders’ slide ends here,” Cameron wrote in his mock draft projection.
A new era in Pittsburgh?
Cameron noted that while Sanders may not possess elite arm strength, his efficiency and football IQ make him a smart pick for a franchise seeking consistency.
Sanders was rated as the highest-graded passer in the 2025 class on throws beyond the line to gain – a critical metric for teams running vertical offenses.
“The enigmatic passer may lack top-level arm talent, which some may see as an issue when targeting names like D.K. Metcalf and George Pickens,” Cameron wrote.
“But his metrics tell a different story, as Sanders charted as the highest-graded passer in the class on throws beyond the sticks.”
Pittsburgh has already invested in offensive firepower this offseason, most notably by trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf.
With weapons in place and a revamped front office under GM Omar Khan, the Steelers are positioned to mold a new offensive identity.
If Rodgers ultimately signs elsewhere, Sanders could be walking into a franchise that is reloading with purpose.
While the situation remains fluid, one thing is clear: the Steelers aren’t content to wait forever.
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