The Pittsburgh Steelers have once again made waves in the NFL offseason, but not in the way many fans expected. With the 21st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation swirled around whether the Steelers would select a new quarterback (QB) to lead their offense into a new era. Instead, the team doubled down on its defensive identity by drafting Oregon’s standout defensive tackle, Derrick Harmon. This bold move has ignited debate about the future direction of the Steelers QB position.

Steelers QB Question: Who Is Next Under Center?

Entering the draft, many Pittsburgh faithful anticipated a change at quarterback. With high-profile prospects like Shedeur Sanders still available, analysts highlighted the Steelers’ need for a franchise QB. However, Pittsburgh’s leadership—General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin—opted for trench strength over a new signal-caller. According to ESPN, the Steelers passed on both Sanders and Jaxson Dart, a decision that surprised those tracking the quarterback market closely.

Tomlin commented, "We got the player that we wanted," underscoring the team’s satisfaction with their current quarterback room. This decision signals continued confidence in their existing options under center, despite speculation and external pressure to draft a new Steelers QB.

Analyzing the Draft: Why Not a Quarterback?

The Steelers' choice became a turning point in the 2025 draft narrative. Several experts believed Shedeur Sanders, after an impressive collegiate career, was a lock for a first-round selection. However, as CBS Sports details, Sanders fell out of the first round entirely. This rare move reflects not only on the Steelers’ internal evaluations but also on shifting league trends.

Behind the decision was a belief in sustainable team building. Behind The Steel Curtain gave high grades for Harmon’s selection, citing the importance of bolstering the defense alongside established leaders like Cam Heyward. With only two quarterbacks under contract, Pittsburgh’s front office chose patience and discipline rather than reaching for a QB not topping their draft board.

Implications for the 2025 Season

The Steelers QB depth chart now heads into training camp with stability but few guarantees. The club’s draft-day behavior shows strong belief that their current quarterbacks can succeed, or that a major move could come via trade or free agency later. The message from management is clear: a top-tier defense paired with composed, methodical quarterback play gives the team its best shot to compete.

Derrick Harmon's arrival is designed to anchor the defensive line for years, learning from the legendary Cam Heyward. This approach provides a buffer for the offense, taking pressure off the quarterback to single-handedly win games in 2025.

What’s Next for the Steelers QB Position?

While much of the offseason rumor mill centered on a possible new Steelers QB, the team opted to fortify other positions first. This could set up future acquisitions or give another year for internal development. With the draft’s biggest QB surprises behind them, Pittsburgh fans must watch closely as the team navigates free agency and possible late trades.

For now, the Steelers have planted their flag—prioritizing defense and internal QB faith, all while keeping an eye on upcoming opportunities. The decision not to draft a quarterback in the first round speaks volumes about their confidence in the current roster and the blueprint they have for the future.

Want more insight? Read further analysis of why the Steelers passed on QBs for Derrick Harmon on ESPN and explore additional breakdowns and draft grades on Behind The Steel Curtain.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a deliberate choice regarding the future of the Steelers QB position. By prioritizing defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, they show strong belief in their current quarterbacks while setting the stage for long-term success. The coming months will reveal whether that faith pays off or if new changes loom on the horizon for one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.