Steelers Predicted to Draft ‘Pro Ready QB’ With Ties to M...

By Michael Gallagher

Sports Content Coordinator

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have hinted that regardless of what quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides this offseason, they’re going to plan for the future whether he’s in it or not.

Rodgers continues to hold the Steelers hostage like he did last season. The team is a little less than two weeks away from the 2026 NFL draft, and they still don’t know if Rodgers will be their starting signal-caller next year.

If he’d give them an answer one way or another, it would likely dictate what they do with their 12 draft selections — one of which would presumably be used on a quarterback.

But regardless of Rodgers’ decision, it would behoove the Steelers to draft a QB at some point, if for no other reason to develop behind Mason Rudolph and Will Howard as a third option should something happen to one or both of them.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy

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ESPN’s Ben Solak believe the Steelers will not only grab a QB in the draft, he’s convinced Pittsburgh could have its eye on a player who has a history with head coach Mike McCarthy: LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.

“When Mike McCarthy was the head coach in Dallas, Nussmeier's father, Doug, was his quarterbacks coach,” Solak wrote. “Doug Nussmeier has stayed in the coaching tree, too, following Kellen Moore to the Chargers, then the Eagles and then the Saints. … Garrett Nussmeier would be an option no matter what; the family connection only helps.

“… Nussmeier is a strong pocket navigator who can buy an extra half-second while setting up to throw, and he has a wily arm that layers the ball well in intermediate windows. He has a lot of polish on his game and should be called a pro-ready passer for his post-snap acumen.”

Nussmeier was a projected first-round pick at the start of last season.

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However, he struggled for some of the year, and his season as cut short by an injury to his core (which may or may not have affected his passing prowess). Still, Nussmeier was once a Heisman candidate, and he threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions the year prior when he was fully healthy.

“Nussmeier would greatly benefit from some time behind Aaron Rodgers, should the veteran return as the starting quarterback for the Steelers,” Solak continued. “Rodgers is a remarkable risk manager who uses his elite pre-snap process and speedy decision-making to avoid turnover-worthy plays while still finding downfield opportunities.

“I'm confident that Nussmeier is a sharp quarterback — sharp enough to run McCarthy's gun-heavy, drop-back-heavy offense — but he needs some calibration in the risk management department.”

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