The Pittsburgh Steelers will be back in the quarterback market next offseason.
With Aaron Rodgers expected to retire after the 2025 season, the Steelers will need to find a starting signal-caller. Though the team could explore the trade or free agency market for a veteran or even hand the keys over to sixth-round pick Will Howard, it may be time for Pittsburgh to finally use a premium selection on a quarterback.
There are a couple of quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft that could be potential franchise guys, and ESPN's Field Yates believes Pittsburgh should target two of them in Round 1.
Yates predicts the Steelers will land the No.16 overall pick in next year's draft and select LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. However, he also lists Indiana signal-caller Fernando Mendoza as a potential option.
"Nussmeier is like a point guard on the field, playing with elite processing skills and very good accuracy. He lacks dynamic athleticism and has just solid arm strength, but he is still able to deliver the ball on time and to spots where his receivers can create after the catch," Yates wrote.
"One more QB prospect who could be in the mix: Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. He has an impressive ability to process and play under duress, and I saw some "wow" throws on tape," Yates added.
Nussmeier and Mendoza would be two fantastic options for Pittsburgh. Both have their different strengths and weaknesses, but have all the tools to be long-term starters.
In his first season as LSU's starting quarterback in 2024, Nussmeier tossed 29 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. The 23-year-old is more of a pocket passer than a mover, but he does have enough athleticism to be functional outside of the pocket.
Mendoza is in for a major breakout campaign in 2025. The Indiana quarterback showed flashes during his two-year tenure at California, and will now be looking to stabilize the quarterback position for the Hoosiers.
Overall, Nussmeier and Mendoza should be near the top of Pittsburgh's draft boards by April.
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