The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing and closely watched teams, largely due to their unsettled quarterback situation. As it stands, the team doesn’t have a locked-in starter for the upcoming season. While Mason Rudolph is currently the most viable option, his status as a long-term solution is far from certain, and Pittsburgh is exploring its options—including potentially drafting a new quarterback.
Mason Rudolph: Solid, But Not Spectacular
Rudolph, who re-signed with the Steelers early in free agency, finished the 2023 season strong enough to earn the organization’s trust as a serviceable short-term starter. However, questions linger about his ability to carry the franchise long-term. Despite his consistency and knowledge of the Steelers’ system, Rudolph doesn’t generate much excitement among fans or analysts—especially when compared to some of the younger, high-upside quarterbacks entering the draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft Quarterback Class
The problem for Pittsburgh isn’t just their internal options—it’s the overall weakness of this year’s quarterback class. While some names have drawn interest, such as Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Tyler Shough, there’s widespread consensus that none of them would be considered top-tier quarterback prospects in a stronger draft year.
Despite this, Sanders has become a central figure in the Steelers’ draft speculation. Once projected to go in the top three picks, his stock has slipped, with several QB-needy teams—like the Browns and Giants—showing lukewarm interest. That opens the door for the Steelers, who hold the 21st overall pick, to potentially grab Sanders without trading up.
Beyond the more talked-about names, the Steelers have also done their due diligence with potential mid-to-late-round quarterbacks like Will Howard, Kyle McCord, Quinn Ewers, and Cam Miller. These meetings suggest the team is exploring a wide range of possibilities, whether they go quarterback early or late in the draft.
NFL Coaches Compare Rudolph to This Year’s QB Class
Adding an interesting wrinkle to the debate, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that an anonymous NFL offensive coordinator was asked where Mason Rudolph would rank if he were entering this year’s draft. The answer? Third, behind only Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. This ranking suggests that Rudolph might actually be more polished than some of the rookies available, reinforcing the idea that Pittsburgh may be better off riding with him for now rather than gambling on a low-ceiling rookie.
This insight is likely sobering for fans clamoring for a new face at quarterback. If Rudolph is indeed on par or even better than most of this year’s top QB prospects, it could make more sense for Pittsburgh to wait until the 2026 draft, when a stronger class could emerge.
The Rodgers Factor
Of course, the wild card in all of this is Aaron Rodgers. The future Hall of Famer has been loosely linked to the Steelers, but he recently made a rare public appearance on The Pat McAfee Show without hinting at any intention to join Pittsburgh. That development casts doubt on the possibility of Rodgers donning black and gold, further reinforcing Rudolph’s hold on the starting job—for now.
The Steelers’ Draft Strategy: QB or D-Line?
Another complicating factor is the team’s other roster needs. The Steelers are also looking at addressing the defensive line with their first-round pick. If they go that route, it’s unlikely they’d be able to grab a top quarterback without a second-round selection, which they currently lack.
Omar Khan, Pittsburgh’s general manager, has been tight-lipped but positive about the incoming quarterback class. Head coach Mike Tomlin and Khan both fielded media questions this week and gave the sense that the Steelers will indeed consider selecting a quarterback—perhaps not to start right away, but to develop for the future.
Historically, the Steelers have shown patience with rookie quarterbacks. Kenny Pickett, who they drafted in 2022, didn’t start until a month into his rookie campaign, and many believe he could’ve benefitted from waiting even longer. That same philosophy would likely apply to anyone drafted in 2025.
The Path Forward: Develop Now, Compete Later
If the Steelers do select a quarterback in the 2025 draft, the plan is unlikely to involve an immediate change under center. Instead, Rudolph would begin the season as the starter, with the rookie developing in the background. This would be a strategic approach, allowing the new quarterback to learn without the pressure of starting right away—a method Pittsburgh has historically preferred.
It’s also worth noting that by bringing back Rudolph early in free agency, the team sent a strong message that it sees value in continuity and leadership, even if he isn’t viewed as the long-term franchise guy.
Summary: A Calculated Approach to the Future
As it stands, the Steelers are in a wait-and-see mode. While they have done their homework on numerous quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class, they’re not rushing into a decision. Mason Rudolph may not excite the fan base, but given the context of this year’s draft and the team’s broader needs, he might be the best bridge option available.
Whether Pittsburgh ultimately decides to swing on a quarterback now or wait until a more talented class emerges, one thing is clear: the Steelers are planning for the future while ensuring they can remain competitive in the present. A quarterback selection in this draft—especially someone like Shedeur Sanders falling to 21—would be about development, not desperation.
Until something more definitive happens—like a surprise Rodgers signing or a blockbuster trade—it’s safe to assume that Mason Rudolph will be the Week 1 starter. And unless Pittsburgh gets aggressive, fans may need to temper their expectations about a quarterback savior arriving this April.
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