Steelers' 2025 First-Round Quarterback Options If Russell Wilson And Justin Fields Experiments Fail

The Pittsburgh Steelers ended the 2023 season with a playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. At the time, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky walked off the field with all of their futures in question. It only took a couple of months after for General Manager Omar Khan to completely revamp the room as he signed Russell Wilson, traded for Justin Fields, and brought in Kyle Allen. Many are anticipating that Fields is the long-term solution at the position, but there are no guarantees that he or Wilson can convince the team to hand out a lucrative deal after the 2024 season.

The Steelers have selected just two quarterbacks in the first round throughout the 21st century. One is a future Hall of Famer in Ben Roethlisberger (2004), while Pickett (2022) is already with a new team and will be looked at as a bad miss in Kevin Colbert's final draft as the head of the organization's front office. Khan has elected to do things a bit differently in 2024, but if it fails, he will be back on the quarterback scouting road during the 2025 pre-draft process.

As the 2024 collegiate season is rapidly approaching, there are three prospects that Steelers fans should keep an eye out for. While the trio are currently all expected to go in the Top 10, a bad season from Pittsburgh or a big-time trade from Khan could bring the team into the conversation when it comes to one of the more exciting signal-callers coming out.

1.) Quinn Ewers - University Of Texas

The other two prospects that will get some attention in a bit are likely to go before Quinn Ewers, which is exactly why he lands at number one on this list. Pittsburgh isn't going to have the opportunity to pick in the Top 5 unless something drastic occurs. Plenty can happen from July to January regarding draft status, but Ewers could be in range depending on how the season goes.

The 6'3", 200-pounder threw for 3,479 yards in 2023 with a completion percentage of 69. He added 22 touchdowns and only tossed six interceptions. He is projecting to be a very formidable NFL quarterback and Khan could very well be doing his homework on Ewers throughout the passer's likely last season at the University of Texas. 

2.) Shedeur Sanders - University Of Colorado

Plenty has been talked about in regards to Hall of Famer Deion Sanders' son, Shedeur Sanders. There were reports that Deion Sanders wanted to try and hold back his son from playing for certain professional teams. If that's true, his draft stock may have a little bit of confusion to it. That's what could bring the Steelers into play if a quarterback is on the wish list in 2025.

Shedeur Sanders was able to throw for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns and just three interceptions in 2023. He also rushed for three touchdowns, but due to his style of play had negative 77 yards on the ground for the Colorado Buffaloes. Many have mixed feelings about him and his ability to blossom into a star at the next level, but his father alone is a reason to be intrigued by his ceiling.

3.) Carson Beck - University Of Georgia

Unfortunately, the top prospect in a weaker quarterback class is expected to potentially go first overall. Carson Beck from the University of Georgia is being recognized as the guy who will be the best signal-caller available during the 2025 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh isn't going to tank for any reason, so Beck ending up in the Steel City would have to come from several drastic scenarios. 

At 6'4" and over 200 pounds, Beck is the ideal size for an NFL quarterback. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards in 2023 and will look to build on that in 2024. He is a fascinating prospect, but likely won't be in play for Khan and the Steelers.

Steelers Hoping To Not Worry About Quarterbacks During 2025 NFL Draft

Overall, Pittsburgh would like to see Wilson or Fields emerge in dominating fashion. Having one of them play extraordinary would erase the need to draft a signal-caller early in 2025 and allow the front office to worry about extending one, or both, of them. Out of the three best options in 2025, it appears that, as of now, Ewers might be the only one in reach.