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Steelers Eye 2026 QB Draft Amid Rodgers Retirement Plans

9/20/2025

Summary

Steelers Target Quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers aim to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, anticipating Aaron Rodgers' retirement after the 2025 season.
Evaluations indicate the 2026 quarterback class is lacking, with top prospects Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers facing challenges.
Drew Allar from Penn State is a potential target, noted for his size and arm strength despite recent performance issues.
Oklahoma's John Mateer, averaging 314.7 passing yards per game, is also a candidate for the Steelers.
With significant draft capital, the Steelers could trade up for a top quarterback prospect.

Summary

Sellers Leads Quarterback Class

The 2026 NFL Draft class boasts a strong quarterback pool, led by South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers in projections.
An ESPN poll of 25 NFL scouts shows Sellers with 8 votes, followed by LSU's Garrett Nussmeier with 7.
Miami's Carson Beck and Oklahoma's John Mateer each received 3 votes, while Arch Manning garnered only 1 vote.
Manning's performance has declined, completing 55.3% of passes with 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
Scouts commend Sellers for his physical talent and scrambling ability, noting his potential as an impact player.

History

Historical Context

The 1983 NFL Draft marked a pivotal moment as six quarterbacks, including Hall of Famers John Elway and Jim Kelly, were selected in the first round, highlighting the increasing emphasis on quarterback talent. As the Pittsburgh Steelers approach the 2026 Draft, they face a weaker quarterback class, with top prospect Arch Manning completing only 55.3% of passes, potentially impacting the team's future direction.

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Steelers Target Quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers aim to draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, anticipating Aaron Rodgers' retirement after the 2025 season.
Evaluations indicate the 2026 quarterback class is lacking, with top prospects Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers facing challenges.
Drew Allar from Penn State is a potential target, noted for his size and arm strength despite recent performance issues.
Oklahoma's John Mateer, averaging 314.7 passing yards per game, is also a candidate for the Steelers.
With significant draft capital, the Steelers could trade up for a top quarterback prospect.

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