The Pittsburgh Steelers are thin at quarterback, with veteran Mason Rudolph currently listed as QB1 on the depth chart.
Rudolph signed a two-year, $8 million deal to return to the franchise that drafted him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Last season, he threw for 1,530 yards and nine touchdowns while going 1-4 in five starts for the Tennessee Titans.
The Steelers also have Skylar Thompson on the roster after signing him to a reserve/futures contract. He was a seventh-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2022.
Pittsburgh Steelers Predicted to Draft Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart
The Steelers aren’t likely to start the 2025 season with Mason Rudolph as their QB1. Free agents Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers remain potential options under center.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Rodgers has a standing offer from Pittsburgh. Regardless, the Steelers are expected to target a rookie quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Would Pittsburgh take a quarterback in the first round? It’s possible. PFSN’s Anthony Pasciolla predicted that they will select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 21 overall.
Pasciolla wrote:
“Just as a player seemingly falls every year, there is also a huge shock in each draft. If the Pittsburgh Steelers fail to sign Aaron Rodgers or bring back Russell Wilson (which is highly unlikely), Jaxson Dart could come off the board earlier than anticipated.
“Dart’s offense at Ole Miss was predicated on speed and efficiency, running a play every 22 seconds on average. This tempo minimizes responsibility for the QB, eliminates their ability to take a detailed pre-snap scan of the defense, and gives him tunnel vision toward his read key. If the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin implemented a similar system, Dart could find success for a pick that some might deem a reach.”
.@MelKiperESPN explains why he has Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart going No. 9 overall to the Saints 😯 pic.twitter.com/2wOLx9f51v
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 18, 2025
Steelers Make Blockbuster Trade for DK Metcalf
Whoever ends up as the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2025 will have plenty of firepower at their disposal. Pittsburgh made a blockbuster move, trading picks with Seattle to acquire All-Pro wide receiver DK Metcalf and immediately signing him to a five-year, $150 million extension.
Metcalf, a second-round pick of the Seahawks in 2019, has 438 receptions for 6,324 yards and 48 touchdowns in six seasons. His numbers rank eighth among active players in that span.
The two-time Pro Bowler will line up alongside George Pickens, forming what could be one of the most dynamic receiving tandems in the NFL. Pickens recorded 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, while Calvin Austin III is expected to man the slot.
The Steelers also brought back veterans Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek to round out the receiver depth chart, while second-year player Roman Wilson looks to bounce back from an injury-shortened rookie season.