Pittsburgh’s storied franchise is seemingly always in the headlines during the NFL Draft season, and this year is no exception. As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2024 NFL Draft, the conversation has intriguingly shifted towards the quarterback position. Despite Russell Wilson not having thrown a single pass for the Steelers yet, there are whispers about the potential for drafting his replacement.
During a recent episode of “Pro Football Talk,” Steelers General Manager Omar Kahn made comments that have sparked a flurry of speculation. Kahn noted, “I think it’s not realistic [that we] will be taking a quarterback in round one. I wouldn’t close the door on anything. If there’s an opportunity to improve that room, obviously we’ll look at it.”
Pittsburgh’s Draft History: A Lesson in Flexibility
The Steelers are known for their pragmatic approach to the draft, focusing on the best player available rather than reaching for need. This was evident when Kenny Pickett, who was not initially pegged as a first-round pick by many analysts, was selected by the Steelers after falling to the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Reflecting on this strategy, Kahn’s openness to drafting a quarterback if the right player falls to them is not out of character for the Steelers. They have consistently shown that they are not afraid to make bold moves if they believe a player can contribute significantly to the team.
A Look at Pittsburgh’s Quarterback Room for 2024
The current quarterback room in Pittsburgh, featuring Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen, suggests that while there is talent, there are no long-term guarantees. Wilson, now on a veteran minimum deal, and Fields, in the final years of his rookie contract, represent transitional figures rather than permanent solutions.
With this in mind, the possibility of the Steelers drafting a rookie quarterback to simply provide depth and competition in 2025 seems more plausible. This approach would avoid the complexities of renegotiating contracts with veteran agents, offering the team more flexibility.
Future Prospects: Who Might the Steelers Consider?
While the team might not be eyeing top-tier prospects like J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye in the early rounds, a potential sleeper like Spencer Rattler could be a target in the later rounds. Players like Rattler, who may fall into the second or third round, could offer an opportunity to develop a quarterback without the immediate pressure of stepping into a starting role.
7️⃣ days #SteelersDraft | @MiamiOHFootball pic.twitter.com/BEJMfmPclS
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 18, 2024
Conclusion: Anticipating Pittsburgh’s Next Moves
As the draft approaches, the Steelers’ strategy will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Will Pittsburgh pull the trigger on a new quarterback to eventually succeed Russell Wilson, or will they continue to build around their existing veterans for another season?
