Former GM predicts Steelers could land big-name QB amid Aaron Rodgers uncertainty

Even if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers after he learns of the Minnesota Vikings' intentions for the 2025 season, the Steelers could still look to land a long-term quarterback in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. 

In a mock draft updated after it was learned that the New York Giants had agreed to a deal with veteran Russell Wilson, former NFL general manager and current ESPN personality Mike Tannenbaum predicted that the Steelers will trade the 21st overall pick of this year's draft, a 2026 first-round choice and two other selections to the Chicago Bears in return for 2025 picks No. 10 and No. 148 overall. Per Tannenbaum, this could allow the Steelers to make Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders the 10th pick of the 2025 draft. 

"He is incredibly tough, can make all the throws, processes reads quickly in the pocket and delivers accurate balls. He lacks high-end mobility but still shows good pocket movement traits," Tannenbaum said about Sanders. "I'm calling it now: Sanders projects as a top-15, maybe even top-12 starting QB in the NFL. That would be huge for a Steelers franchise that was 20th in QBR last season (51.3)."

Tannenbaum thinks the Giants have "too many other issues to use" the third pick of the draft on Sanders when they have Wilson, journeyman Jameis Winston and QB3 Tommy DeVito on the roster. Interestingly, Tannenbaum also has the Las Vegas Raiders (pick No. 6), New York Jets (No. 7) and New Orleans Saints (No. 9) passing on Sanders. 

For a piece published Wednesday morning, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggested the Raiders will soon sign Geno Smith to a contract extension. With that said, the Jets (Justin Fields) and Saints (Derek Carr) could both part ways with their current starters as soon as next offseason. 

Also, on Wednesday, Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr mentioned that Sanders might ultimately slide a "bit further than we initially expected" on the draft's opening night. If such a scenario plays out, the Steelers could enter training camp with Rodgers serving as both their QB1 and as a mentor for the most polarizing prospect of his draft class.