Steelers Receive Bad News About Future Quest For Franchise Quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers waited until the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select a quarterback. Will Howard could have absolutely gone earlier, which is why it made sense to take him with the 185th overall pick, but the future at signal-caller remains in question for the franchise. The approach to the most important position in all of sports has been intriguing, so many believe the organization will target one in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Fans won't be able to go much longer without the front office having a clear direction, making the next 365 days or so pivotal.

General Manager Omar Khan used a unique strategy during free agency when the new league year began in March, and many believe it was on purpose. The Steelers are currently expected to have several compensatory selections in 2026, which could be used in part of a package to trade up for a quarterback. That is with the expectation that the team will once again finish .500 or better, leading to holding a first-round pick in the second half of the draft.

There are supposed to be a plethora of quarterbacks with first-round grades in the 2026 class and that will lead to teams having options. The pre-draft process will be rigorous, and Steelers reporter Ray Fittipaldo noted in a recent column that there are no guarantees for a team like Pittsburgh come a year from now. It's going to be a big competition for top-tier talent.

"Unfortunately for the Steelers, they won’t be the only team hunting for their next franchise quarterback," Fittipaldo wrote in regards to the 2026 NFL Draft. "Eight teams — and maybe more — could be in the quarterback market next spring."

Prospects like Arch Manning, Nico Iamaleava and Drew Allar are all already on NFL teams' radars, but there are several other individuals that will be looking to prove that they are worth first-round selections. Khan and co. are going to have their work cut out for them and the scouting process has likely already begun based on how important the position is at the professional level.

Fittipaldo mentioned that there could be up to eight teams looking at a first-round quarterback in 2026, and he went into some more detail about which franchises could give the Steelers problems.

"The Saints, who made Archie Manning the No. 1 overall pick in the 1971 draft, need a succession plan for Derek Carr," Fittipaldo noted. "The Raiders traded for and signed Geno Smith this spring, but he’s going to turn 35 during the season. The Browns are perennially in search of their next quarterback, while the Dolphins, Jets, Colts, Rams and Seahawks can’t be ruled out, either."

The Los Angeles Rams stand out after securing a second 2026 first-round pick due to a draft-day trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The New Orleans Saints selected Tyler Shough in the second round, which could rule them out in 2026, but that is hard to predict. Overall, it appears as if the 2026 NFL Draft will have a lot more teams hunting the quarterback position than in 2025.

The Steelers will undoubtedly be in the mix, regardless of Howard's presence on the roster. The only way that Pittsburgh is not interested in a signal-caller is if, somehow, Howard starts several games in 2025 and has an incredible rookie campaign. The more competition there ends up being when it comes to drafting a quarterback in 2026 will be worse for the Steelers.

Steelers Can't Continue To Take Risks At The Quarterback Position

Pittsburgh needs a formidable signal-caller who is the unquestioned starter. Entering the last few offseasons with so many questions has not been ideal, and hurts the preparation process for the consistent offensive members of the team. Drafting Howard at least gives the franchise a quarterback on a four-year deal, but the 2026 NFL Draft could be when the organization finds the future. Unfortunately, it's looking like there is going to be a ton of competition.