The search for a long-term Steelers quarterback is never far from the minds of Pittsburgh fans, and the 2025 NFL Draft put that subject firmly under the spotlight again. Despite their pressing need at the signal-caller position, the Steelers charted a course that surprised many—passing on several quarterback prospects and instead reinforcing other areas of the roster.

Steelers Draft Strategy: Defense First, Quarterback Later?

The Steelers entered the draft with six picks and an obvious need for a new quarterback. Yet, with the 21st overall pick, Pittsburgh shocked insiders by selecting Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle, over available quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders (full breakdown at The Athletic). This decision stirred immediate discussion about the team's true plan at quarterback for both the present and the future.

As the draft unfolded, the Steelers again bypassed quarterback prospects in favor of running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round. Their approach, documented in The Athletic’s pick tracker, focused on acquiring the best available talent, even if it meant continuing the search for their next franchise passer. This disciplined draft philosophy is why the Steelers continue to compete year after year, though it also places a magnifying glass on their current depth chart at quarterback.

Jalen Milroe: A Missed Opportunity or Smart Patience?

Among fans and experts, speculation ran rampant about whether the Steelers would consider Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. Milroe, known for his explosive athleticism and big-play ability, was ultimately selected by Seattle in the third round. Seahawks.com’s coverage highlighted his college production—2,844 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and a team-leading 20 rushing touchdowns in his final year.

Pittsburgh’s interest in Milroe wasn’t merely rumor. Multiple visits, including a dinner between Milroe and Coach Mike Tomlin, signaled sincere consideration. Steelers Depot reported that if Milroe had still been available at their pick, the Steelers would have “sprinted” to draft him. Analyst Mark Kaboly noted, “That’s a sprint,” reflecting how highly Milroe’s unique talents ranked in Pittsburgh’s eyes.

The Current Steelers Quarterback Outlook

With neither Shedeur Sanders nor Jalen Milroe donning black and gold, the Steelers will enter training camp with questions at quarterback still looming. The franchise has organizational confidence in patience and development, but fans are eager to see bold moves at the position. For Pittsburgh, the path to finding their next great quarterback may require trade ingenuity, a look at the undrafted market, or waiting until the 2026 draft class.

What’s Next for the Steelers?

The 2025 NFL Draft revealed a franchise balancing win-now needs with the long-term quest for a franchise quarterback. While some will debate the wisdom of passing on high-upside prospects like Milroe, the Steelers’ consistent draft discipline is undeniable. As coaches and fans evaluate the current quarterback options and look toward future moves, the conversation around the Steelers quarterback remains as urgent as ever.

For further analysis of the Steelers’ draft approach, position-by-position grades, and expert insight, read the full The Athletic’s 2025 Steelers Draft Tracker. To see how Jalen Milroe might have fit in Pittsburgh’s offense, check out Steelers Depot’s roundtable.

In summary: The Steelers quarterback search continues, informed by draft-day decisions, scouting insight, and the never-ending quest for a new face of the franchise. Stay tuned—Pittsburgh’s next move under center might be just around the corner.