QB position in 2026

I don't think it matters, the only choice I'm 100% against is Cousins.

Any of the other names (or first round pick) has at least a small chance of being the QB of the future. Howard, Willis, Jones. Each unlikely to be a star, but also each one possible. I'm not against any of them getting a shot, or a combination like bringing one in to compete with Howard and Rudolph and best man wins. Any of those signals that the team is moving forward, Cousins does not. But, none of these guys excites me as a must get guy.

 

Other. Draft a QB, but not necessarily in round 1. Then let the rookie and Howard duke it out.

There is no need to reach for any QB in round 1 (we have far too many holes around the team). If a great WR falls, or DB or LG or LT, take them.

After Mendoza, the QB logjam is all day 2 or day 3 material (weaknesses in their games, with upside).

Take a Beck or Nussmeir or other in round 2 or 3 or 4. Have them compete, open competition, with Howard. Hopefully we end up with something OTHER than Rudolph starting in 2026.

I'd like them to consider GT Haynes King, but later in draft. I don't think he'll be a top 4 round pick, but get him because he's a heck of a competitor and a good running QB with solid passing skills. He's just lacking in NFL level upside, but could be an average QB. Add him to a round 2 or 3 QB and we got some real youthful competition that shoudl give us a GOOD starting QB by the end of 2026 (growing pains).

 

No to Beck

That guy is an @$$hole

 

His bio says he covered Pitt sports, but I don't know for which media company.

 

Getting the vibes of a guy that just posts a lot to Twitter and says he “covers” local sports.

But I’m wrong six times before breakfast.

 

Then why are you quoting him

 

There are no good quarterback options for the Steelers in 2026

Maybe take a swing at a none 1st round quarterback and let him and Howard wing it

They need to draft BPA to build the team

Then fill in some blanks with the FA

 

This.


I'd want to opt for someone like Malik Willis but first things first; have to find out who the next Head Coach is. That will likely play a factor into who Malik chooses to play for next.


Malik though is besides the point. I have been saying BPA since the conclusion of the 2025 College Football Season. Outside of Fernando (whom I am still not 100% sold on personally), there really isn't any QB worth taking in this draft. Conventional wisdom says opt for the WR given how that is the next major upgrade the team needs but the team doesn't just need any Wide Receiver. They need a Wide Receiver who can perform the following:

1. Advanced Route Tree: Simple as the title implies, the WR must be able to have a very extensive catalog of routes at his beckon call to operate at multiple areas of the field.
   
2. Separation: How good is he able to get away from opposing DBs?! Separation isn't just about pure athletic ability nor route running capabilities alone.
   
3. Beating Press: Is the WR able to consistently beat a multi array of jamming techniques by opposing CBs both quickly and proficiently?! How deep is his toolkit when it comes to his release packages (i.e. inside release, outside release, etc.).

Only WR that fits this bill to the tee are two players though technically a third; Makai Lemon from USC and Carnell Tate from Ohio State. Of the two?! I suspect that Lemon will be more likely to be available. Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State is the Wild Card. He does have WR 1 ability and potential but his medicals will be decisive in how far he falls.



If not WR?! Vega Ioane from Penn State is my personal pick. Seumalo is gone and there sure as hell isn't any options in Free Agency that would entice Pittsburgh (Alijah Vera Tucker included). Vega can slot in and play Guard on Day One.

 

An old buddy of mine is a huge Jets fan. Nothing for him to cheer about for decades now.

Pretty much whatever they do perform the opposite

 

Looks like draft another Qb in the later rounds. We already have Rudy so i wouldn't spend money on a FA, like Mariotta or Case Keenum. Doesnt make much sense. I would use the money to pickup a safety or WR

 

A lot will depend on how the HC interviews go. If they hire a guy who says that he thinks this team can, with a few tweaks, contend in '26 then you go with a win now QB, which could mean Rodgers. If the new coach says we have to see who we have towards building a contender - I don't think anyone gets the job to rebuild - then it could be let's throw a bunch of guys in the ring and see who emerges. In that case I can see any of Howard, Rudolph, a rook, and even bring back Skylar Thompson and let everyone scramble for the #1. Best case scenario, someone comes out of nowhere and looks like the QB of the future. Worse case scenario, the team realizes that the future QB is not on the roster, finishes with a record that has them drafting higher than 21, and they go all in for next year's draft/FA class.

 

Willis comes to the 'Burgh because he knows what McCarthy can do for a young QB. Willis has shown something in a limited sample size. He just needs that foundation to build on. I think McCarthy could be the guy to do it. And besides, Willis is probably as good as or better than any other option the Steelers might have a chance at in the 2026 draft.

 

Maybe the Original

 

The Athletic poll:

Which player would make the best referee?

Top vote-getter (tied): Aaron Rodgers

What a question. It came down to players wondering which teammate knew the most rules. Rodgers has played with a ton of people and clearly has a high degree of knowledge about the game. It sounds like film sessions are filled with rule trivia. Also, just look at the picture there.

 

Going by the list only....I would prefer Will Howard or Malik Willis.


Watching ARod last season it seemed he was done at the end. I don't think he comes back, but he might. We would have to convince him to play for us again if he does decide he wants to play another season. So really, multiple things would need to happen.


At least for now, Mason Rudolph could also be in play.

 

I picked 'other' since I think we get Rodgers for one more year.

 

What is the upside with Rodgers? 8 wins? 9 wins?

The downside is extensive. It delays implementing whatever system anyone is going to choose to run on offense. We saw it by the end of this past season....the Steelers were just running the Old Man Rodgers offense. It further delays roster development because eventually Rodgers will dictate what skill position guys see the field.

So you get one more year where you are in it through the regular season and then what?

Or you see if there is something worth putting pieces around in Howard. Or you see that there is not and you know it is time to figure it all out again.

But it is becoming comically clear that the Steelers have no interest in thinking in multi-year plans. Just one year at a time.

So....Rodgers it is.

 

You can find the clip of his combine that went viral where he missed a few throws.

Questions about his ability to fire the ball into small NFL windows.

Overall athletic ability for the NFL.

But I got no idea. This is just what people say.

 

Exactly, he had a perfect chance to show some character and maturity to the league after that loss and he walked off like a child.

 

If you Google "Will Howard Pro Comp" the top results are Mason Rudolph and Davis Mills.

That's rough.

 

I'm hoping it's a better and more athletic version of Davis Mills.

 

Honestly...I can not even picture what that looks like. I remember next to nothing about Davis Mills.

Wasn't like a version of Matt Hasselbeck one of the higher end outcomes people talked about for Howard at some point? Or was that Kenny Pickett?

I can't keep all the nonsense straight any longer.