Colin Cowherd believes the Pittsburgh Steelers should trade numerous key players and assets to draft Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. While appearing on his popular show “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” the analyst made clear that if the Steelers’ scouting department were confident that Sanders could be the long-term answer at the position, they should do whatever it takes to draft him this year.
The Steelers had a solid team, however, dealt with inconsistent quarterback play from Justin Fields and Russell Wilson throughout the campaign. When Fields was the QB, the Steelers struggled to move the ball through the air consistently and failed to properly utilize talented wide receiver George Pickens. When Wilson was the QB, the Steelers were one-dimensional, relying heavily on short-yardage passes or his famous “moon ball.”
Colin Cowherd’s Shedeur Sanders Analysis
Cowherd made clear that the Steelers should be willing to trade star players, including Pickens and defensive superstar T.J. Watt, if the franchise believed that Sanders could be the right long-term solution at the most important position on the football field.
“I would trade T.J. Watt, George Pickens, two first-round picks if your scouting department said Shedeur Sanders is the guy,” Cowherd detailed.
"I would trade T.J. Watt, George Pickens, two first rounders and go get Shedeur Sanders if you think he's a starting QB."
— @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/J8y2bU1lWz
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 16, 2025
Cowherd then added how he believes the Steelers could potentially get Sanders at the No. 5, 6, or 7 overall spot.
Shedeur Sanders’ 2025 NFL Draft Projection
In Pro Football Network’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Sanders was selected above the No. 5 overall projection by Cowherd. Instead, he was chosen No. 2 overall by the Cleveland Browns.
“Approximately 93 hours ago — before we learned that Deshaun Watson would miss most if not all of the 2025 season — this pick would’ve been traded … somewhere. But now the Cleveland Browns need to find a long-term solution to the quarterback situation that’s been an issue since the Bernie Kosar era (sorry, 2019 Baker Mayfield, but you know we’re right).”
Meanwhile, the Steelers decided to add depth to the wide receiver position by drafting Ohio State Buckeyes star Emeka Egbuka, No. 21 overall.
“In another chicken/egg conundrum, did Russell Wilson have meh receivers, or were Pittsburgh’s receivers meh because of Wilson? I’ll point the finger at the receivers in the room, a room that should embrace the latest product of OSU’s wide receiver factory.”
It remains to be seen what the Steelers do at QB this offseason, however, it is evident that Cowherd believes the Steelers should make a bold move for Sanders if they believe he is the right person for the job.