The Pittsburgh Steelers should be exploring quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL draft.
Things are settled at the position for this season with Aaron Rodgers under center, but Pittsburgh lacks a long-term solution at the position, as Rodgers is likely only going to give the Steelers one more year, at most, after hinting at retirement.
Behind Rodgers, the Steelers have Mason Rudolph, who is nothing more than a good backup, and Will Howard, a sixth-round pick the jury is still out on.
With the selection of a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft being a possibility for the Steelers, USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly predicts Pittsburgh will draft South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers with the No. 20 pick.
Pittsburgh has to get a quarterback at some point. Aaron Rodgers isn't the long-term answer. Sellers has arguably the best tools of any player in this class but needs development as a passer to stick long-term in the NFL. He could sit a year behind Rodgers and take over or work his way into the lineup and operate a similar offense to Justin Fields as he learns under Arthur Smith.
After turning heads in 2024, Sellers' production has taken a step back in 2025, with the South Carolina signal-caller completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,536 yards while adding 158 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns (seven passing).
But that doesn't erase the fact that Sellers has all the tools necessary to be successful at the next level. The 6-foot-3, 204-yard passer possesses elite athleticism and arm strength that makes him a threat in any situation.
The problem is that Sellers is going to need more development, especially when it comes to accuracy and his ability to deal with pressure. That fact might keep the South Carolina quarterback in college for another year.
If he does come out and the Steelers draft Sellers, ideally they have a veteran signal-caller sit in front of him for one season, whether that be Rodgers or a quarterback Pittsburgh signs in free agency.
That would allow Sellers the necessary time for more development and the Steelers will hope he'll be ready to take the reins of the offense late in 2026, or by 2027, at the latest.
More NFL news
- Giants, Steelers could make deal for $84 million WR named offseason trade candidate
- Cowboys, Eagles could battle over $106 million star named offseason trade candidate
- Cowboys $80 million defender named offseason trade candidate after Williams, Clark deals
- Jets, Bears linked in awful stat that shares Justin Fields as the common bond
- Steelers 7-time Pro Bowler named most valuable offseason trade chip