It’s almost time for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 quarterback plans to fall in place with NFL free agency right around the corner. Early indications are that the Steelers would prefer to re-sign Justin Fields instead of move forward with a 36-year-old Russell Wilson.
Yet, even if the Steelers retain Fields for another year, they may still have plans of drafting another potential future franchise quarterback. One of the top prospects could even end up falling right into Pittsburgh’s laps.
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Where will Shedeur Sanders end up?
Pittsburgh Steelers projected to draft Shedeur Sanders after epic draft-day fall
Most draft analysts believe there are just two quarterbacks worthy of a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. They are University of Miami’s Cam Ward and University of Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Ward looks to be in play to become the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But Sanders? His stock appears to be slipping, fast.
According to The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler, Sanders has a draft range anywhere from the top six picks to falling out of the first round completely. Yet, if the QB starts to slip, Brugler projects the Steelers, who have the 21st overall pick in the first round, to end Sanders’ draft day freefall.
“Sanders is going to be a wild card in this draft. He could go in the top six or fall out of the first round entirely — and neither outcome would be a shock. He is not a first-round quarterback for a lot of NFL teams, which isn’t a major surprise (and matches my evaluation). But all it takes is one front office to roll the dice on his skill set. If Sanders falls out of the top 10, this would be an interesting landing spot. The Steelers are searching for answers at the QB position.”
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler on Sanders to Steelers
If Sanders ends up in Pittsburgh without them trading up, it would nearly replicate the 2022 NFL Draft when Kenny Pickett fell right into their laps with the 20th overall pick. Of course, the Steelers hope for more positive results this time around.
Related: NFL GM makes bold claim regarding Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart’s draft stock
