Justin Fields and Russell Wilson combined to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a respectable 10-7 record. They did so while offensive coordinator Arthur Smith called plays for an offense that ranked 16th in scoring.
Yet, when it came time to perform in the playoffs, the Steelers’ offense was nowhere to be found. Pittsburgh mustered just 14 points while allowing their AFC South rival, Baltimore Ravens, to score 28.
Now both of the Steelers’ quarterbacks are set for free agency. While the Steelers have expressed interest in bringing back Wilson or Fields, they may be eyeing a long-term solution too.
Related: 5 Pittsburgh Steelers QB solutions for 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers could draft QB Jaxson Dart in the first round
The Pittsburgh Steelers landed the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. If they’re focused on landing a QB of the future through the draft, they may need to move around.
The only two quarterbacks projected to be selected in the first round are University of Miami’s Cam Ward and University of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Both are projected to be drafted in the first 10 picks.
However, ESPN’s Field Yates believes the Steelers could be eyeing another quarterback prospect closely, specifically, the University of Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart.
ESPN on Pittsburgh Steelers“Yes, free agents Russell Wilson or Justin Fields could be back. But the Steelers’ pedestrian offense has held them back from playoff success in recent seasons, and Dart had a prolific college career. Over the past two seasons, he has 7,633 passing yards, 51 touchdown throws and 11 interceptions. He’s a capable thrower to all levels of the field and has enough mobility to operate outside the pocket and on the run. Dart also took advantage of Senior Bowl week with a strong showing in front of Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, who was on the field at each practice.
This projection represents a big rise up the board from where Dart currently ranks outside my top 32, but quarterbacks always have a chance to climb given positional value. Keep an eye on Dart here as we get closer to April.”
Dart isn’t expected to be drafted in the first round. However, he has become a popular candidate to be the third quarterback quarterback off the board.
