The Pittsburgh Steelers are seen as a frontrunner to land former MVP Aaron Rodgers, but are facing a big warning about another potential option at quarterback next season.
The Steelers lost quarterback Justin Fields in free agency and Russell Wilson remains unsigned, but Rodgers has shown big interest in the NFC North contenders. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Rodgers spent close to six hours at the Steelers' facility on Friday, saying it was a productive visit and the two sides plan to keep in touch.
With no imminent movement on Rodgers, Athlon Sports draft expert Luke Easterling predicted the Steelers could look to the NFL draft to land a new quarterback. Easterling predicted the Steelers would take Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 21 overall pick.
"I know this probably feels too much like Kenny Pickett, but Dart has physical tools that Pickett just couldn't bring to the table in Pittsburgh," Easterling wrote. "He's got the arm talent, anticipation and athleticism to become a successful starter with the right supporting cast, and he'd be an instant upgrade for the Steelers."
That could come with its own risks. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report identified Dart as one of the players who could be a "huge Round 1 mistake."
"Coming from a quarterback-friendly system, Dart will likely need time to adjust to the pro game," Moton wrote. "While that's typically not a major issue for a first-rounder with a fifth-year option built into a rookie contract, his learning curve could be longer than expected because of the nuanced pro-style aspects of the quarterback position."
Moton added that Dart would need plenty of time to develop, a situation that could work for the Steelers if they signed Rodgers or another veteran.
"Because of those hurdles ahead of Dart, one can make the case that he's more of a long-term developmental project than a first-round talent," Moton wrote.
