The Pittsburgh Steelers made some major improvements on both sides of the ball during the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite having one of the best draft classes in the league, the Steelers have made an impact both on and off the field.
During a press conference at the 2026 NFL Draft Kickoff event, it was announced that roughly $100-$200 million in revenue was raised for the city of Pittsburgh. After traveling to Green Bay, WI a number of weeks ago, Allegheny County Executive Sara Inamorato and a delegation confirmed the reports.
The news comes as a massive win for both the Steelers and the entire city of Pittsburgh, as the team prepares to host next year's NFL Draft. The event is expected to make a significant impact on both the city and region, as football fans from all around the country are expected to be at the draft in hopes at getting a glimpse at their favorite team's future. The draft is expected to draw a major boost in tourism around the city of Pittsburgh as well, adding to an already monumental economic win for the Steel City.
In further news, as the city of Pittsburgh continues to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, Steelers President Art Rooney ll was joined by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and multiple other high ranking officials in what was one of the most exciting countdown clock reveals in NFL history. After the unveiling, Rooney II took a moment to speak with the media and express his excitement towards next year's event.
"It's going to be a great day for Pittsburgh and I hope we continue to have more great days here leading up to the draft," Rooney ll stated. "This clock is going to be a reminder about how great Pittsburgh is just to be in and what we have to offer to the world."
The countdown clock, which has a design custom to the city of Pittsburgh, features a steal beam holding it up in reference to the city's bridges and infrastructure. City officials have reported that Pittsburgh is expected to host over 100,000 people at next year's draft, with many local businesses and vendors being involved in the process as well.
Steelers Already Planning For 2026
After trading superstar wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys last week, the Steelers now find themselves with three third round picks in 2026. Although the move came as a surprise to many, the Steelers now have multiple trade pieces that could be used in hopes of acquiring a veteran quarterback. The Steelers may opt to hold on to their picks as well, as former Ohio State QB Will Howard continues to prove himself and fight for a starting role. Howard, a five-year college veteran and National Champion, was an elite and impactful quarterback in college with excellent playmaking ability. Drafted with the 185th pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard may prove to be one of the most important players of the entire draft class for the team. With Mason Rudolph currently slated as the Steelers' starting quarterback in 2025, Pittsburgh may look to sign a veteran in free agency and keep their picks for the hometown crowd in 2026.
With talk continuing to ramp up throughout the city, the Steelers find themselves with multiple unanswered questions in both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms. With former 4x NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers reportedly closing in on his free agency decision, the Steelers are expected to acquire a veteran quarterback sooner rather than later. Entering his 21st season, Rodgers is far past his prime, but can still bring some much needed fire power to the Steelers' offense.
After trading Pickens, the Steelers' wide receiver room most notably consists of the newly acquired D.K. Metcalf, Calvin Austin lll, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson. With Metcalf solidifying himself as the Steelers WR1 entering this season, Pittsburgh is expected to pursue a veteran wide receiver as well on the free agency market in hopes of finding a true WR2.
