For the second time since franchise quarterback and future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger retired, the Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads with the most critical piece of their team.
While he showed flashes, Russell Wilson didn’t knock anybody’s socks off at the helm of the Steelers’ offense (11 games). Justin Fields’ dual-threat athleticism could invigorate Pittsburgh’s struggling offense, but six starts was a small sample size. Both are impending free agents.
So, what’s the answer for the Steelers? Colin Cowherd’s response is a doozy.
Colin Cowherd Believes Steelers Need Big Swing at QB in 2025
Cowherd is among the best in the media business at stirring the pot. It’s hard to tell whether he’s genuinely convinced of what he’s laying down or merely on a controversial mission.
His latest take is, indeed, a wild one: The Steelers should trade two star players, T.J. Watt and George Pickens, along with two first-round picks, to acquire Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“The Steelers have been putting band-aids on for six years,” Cowherd said on The Herd of the Aaron Rodgers rumors. “I think they have to rip it off.”
“I would trade T.J. Watt, George Pickens, two first-round picks if your scouting department said Shedeur Sanders is the guy. I think Cam Ward is going to go No. 1. I think Shedeur Sanders, you could get at No. 5, 6, or 7.”
No matter how high you are on Sanders’ potential, this one feels like a stretch.
“The Steelers treat quarterback a little like a New Year’s resolution. They’re all gung-ho about it, but by late February, you’re no longer going to the gym. And by late November, the Steelers aren’t really a viable team. It sounds good; there’s a lot of hope and optimism, but you’re not going to the gym.”
Proactive is the way to do it.
"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
Same Predicament, Different Season for the Steelers
“The Steelers are in the same predicament they were in 2022, where they need a quarterback, and it’s a lousy quarterback draft,” Cowherd said.
2022, of course, was the year Pittsburgh took Kenny Pickett at No. 20 overall. Pickett demanded a trade after hearing that Wilson was coming to the Steel City and is now backing up Jalen Hurts in his hometown of Philadelphia.
In 2018, the Steelers had opportunities to take Lamar Jackson at No. 32 and the aforementioned Hurts at No. 53 in 2020. Instead, they selected safety Terrell Edmunds and wide receiver Chase Claypool. They have not typically finished seasons with bad enough records to be in a position to draft an elite quarterback — not since Roethlisberger at No. 11 in 2004.
Shedeur Sanders: The Hype Is Real, But Is the Cost Justified?
Cowherd suggests that Pittsburgh takes a proactive approach with Sanders, pointing to the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. The Packers drafted and sat both Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love before giving them the car keys. The Chiefs traded up to get Patrick Mahomes when Alex Smith still won them games.
Sanders is one of the hottest names coming out of college. Under the guidance of his father, Deion Sanders, the 6’2″, 215-pound passer has emerged as a potential top NFL prospect. Like many with his talent and background, Sanders has the foundation to develop into a solid NFL starter, but no one knows exactly how he’ll perform at the pro level.
Mortgaging your future — and gutting your roster — just to land Sanders in the draft is foolish. Even the best rookie quarterbacks need a strong supporting cast, something the Steelers don’t have now and certainly wouldn’t have left if they made this trade.