QB's and other draft odds and ends.

The quarterback carousel in Pittsburgh isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As we look toward the 2026 season, one thing is clear: the Black and Gold need a plan at QB, and fast.

Let’s be real. Mason Rudolph has been steady, but he’s more of a “hold the fort” guy than the future face of the franchise. Think Tommy Maddox vibes — reliable enough to keep the ship afloat, but not the guy you’re building statues of outside Acrisure Stadium.

So, who could be next? A few names keep popping up:

Mac Jones: Remember when he was supposed to be the Patriots’ heir to Brady? Yeah, that didn’t pan out. But Pittsburgh loves a reclamation project, and Jones could be a cheap veteran option with something to prove. My vote would be to get Jones and pass on QB this year.

Trey Lance: The athletic upside is undeniable, but he’s still more mystery box than finished product. If the Steelers want to roll the dice, Lance could be the gamble.

Davis Mills: Not flashy, but serviceable. Mills feels like the kind of QB you bring in when you want competence without breaking the bank.

And then there’s the draft. The problem? The Steelers probably won’t be picking high enough to snag one of the elite prospects. That means we’re talking about second-tier rookies — guys who need time to develop while Rudolph or another vet takes the first snaps.

Oh, and let’s not forget the wild card: Aaron Rodgers. He’s supposed to retire after 2025 and I can't really see him in the starting role in 2026. Rogers does bring a ton to the table and ideally, we should have had a rookie in place learning everything he can from him.

Additionally, Pittsburgh could have as many as 12 picks in the 2026 draft. Rather than just pick 12 guys at hit or miss, I think the Steelers need to mine 1 or 2 actual threats to opposing teams.

I could see adding a stud LB like Sonny Styles or any of the top Big Board guys.
I could also see adding a top 4 WR from the Big Board, I don't think we need to trade the farm to get Jordan Tyson but pick up maybe Denzel Boston..
CB's only have a couple outstanding ones, though I think it would hurt to pick a Keith Abney maybe.

I'm not really interested in just picking 12 guys and think that rather silly. We could get at least 4 impact guys without a lot of trading and still get 3 or 5 regular guys.

Most just random thoughts on my part. To sum it up, I would trade up to get some impact guys and I would deal with SF to get Jones.

 

Mac Jones may want an actual QB contract? Don't really like the idea of trading away draft capital and paying him a fairly sizeable contract like 30mil per?

If there isn't a QB worth taking at the point the Steelers are picking and they can't move up to get who they want, then I'm with you and just pass this year or grab one in the later rounds.

The unfortunate reality is if Tomlin stays he won't be willing to tear it down or have a gap year if you will. If it were me, I'd be more than happy to trim the fat off the roster and roll the dice with Will Howard / Mason / Rookie and hope for the best in the 2027 draft when it comes to a QB.

Worst case scenario is the Steelers and Tomlin sell the farm for a last hurrah because his contract is coming up and the draft is in Pittsburgh.

 

I don't disagree at all... I think those are great points.

I think if you could get Matt Jones, then you've got someone who can get you wins and is much younger than Rogers.
An additional benefit would be passing on the QB this year (Jones/Howard/late pick?)
And potentially 2027 passing... depending.
I would also think that we need to move on from Arthur Smith, and I've heard he may be in the HC search, that may be best.
That said, I am again worried about whom they may select to replace him with the current bunch - to your point.

I don't want Trey Lance nor Davis Mills and given Tomlins preference for Veterans (which I would too but is more the question of which vet.) I think all are in play.
Jones has played well and comes from Shanahan's QB school. All the more reason to move on from Arthur Smith and find a more of a QB guru.

 

Looks like 5 Qbs available in the draft that could be ready to play in 26 or sit behind a vet for one season max.

Simpson
Mendoza
Moore
Nussmeier
Maiava

one or more of these could be available to the Steelers in Rnd 1.

 

As of today, I see our QB room next year:

Mason
Howard
Allar - Drafted Round 3.

 

Has Simpson declared? I was hearing rumors he would return?
I could see Carson Beck drop in our range... not sure I pull the trigger there.
If Simpson is in (I have not yet checked) that helps up.

It's very doubtful Tomlin would go for a rookie year 1.
That kind of fires my reasoning to get at least 3 maybe 4 impact players other than QB.
But I figure that clown will pick 12 regular guys in standard order... assuming we wind up with 12 picks.

 

Mac Jones might be a good bridge. He is probably better than Rudolph by a decent margin and a season in SF will have done him no harm. He is rostered in SF for 2026 however, so they’d have to trade for him.

The rest of the free agent market is not appealing. Daniel Jones will almost certainly re-sign with the Colts. After that it’s guys like Mariota.

One of Kyler or Tua may be available if they’re released. Not the answer either. I’d have no interest in Lance or Mills either.

Trade for Mac Jones and see how the draft falls IMO. If there is somebody within reach take the shot.

They really are in a tough spot at QB

 

I'm totally not against bringing in Mac Jones as they overhaul the roster. This team needs a LG, ILB, 2 safeties at least, CB, DL, a few WRs, maybe a LT and so on. And frankly, I'm tired of bringing in overpaid geriatric players to play defense. This franchise needs to embrace a hard reset. We have too many holes to send 4-5 high draft picks to make a leap to 2 or 3 in the draft to get a QB.

 

No love for Howard? Ben started before it was planned and that turned out okay. No, I’m not comparing the 2…. Just a little levity.

Jones would seem to be the best of the above mentioned options, but I’m not sure how motivated SF would be to trade him, given how often Purdy gets dinged up. So, that might drive up the trade ask and then we’d have to extend his contract, which might not be easy to agree on.

 

Just on Mac Jones. There will be competition for his services. The Vikings will almost certainly try to attain him as J.J. Mccarthy has been a disaster thus far and they may be reluctant to take another swing in the draft.

Minnesota will be a far more attractive option for a QB as they have weapons galore.

 

i guess he hasnt declared but is expected to.

i know Tomlin doesnt want to play a rookie, nor draft one in rnd 1. He’s probably thinking of snagging another veteran Qb. I hope he leaves, we cant move forward as long as hes around.

 

if we dont draft a Qb in the first two rnds, Howard should backup the starter, Mac Jones (or whatever vet has been they sign, or Rudolph).

 

And 8 of those 12 probably won't be on the roster after cuts. Better to use them as trade capitol to get players that we can actually use.

 

I would love to see what Howard has to offer. Let him play out the rest of the games we have no idea what will happen. If he $hits the bed then we know what needs done in the draft.