Pittsburgh Steelers front office personnel have expressed frustration over the limited athletic profiles of recent starting quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. The team hosted four mid-round quarterback prospects for pre-draft visits amid plans to add depth even if Aaron Rodgers returns. Analysts suggest the Steelers seek bigger, more physical passers suited for the AFC North.
Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, who has spoken with Steelers front office members, revealed their complaints about Trubisky and Pickett's athletic limitations. 'I cannot tell you how much they complained about the limited athletic profile,' Robinson said on the Inside Coverage podcast. He indicated the team avoids drafting another short, limited quarterback like those two, pushing away prospects such as Ty Simpson despite his talent. Steelers general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy have voiced a desire for an AFC North-style quarterback with size and arm strength during the offseason. The team holds 12 draft picks, including the 21st overall selection next weekend. Even with Will Howard—a 6-foot-4 Ohio State national champion winner—on the roster as a sixth-round pick, Pittsburgh plans a fourth quarterback for camp alongside Mason Rudolph. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson provided steadiness in 2024, while Rodgers showed physical decline in 2025 late-season losses. The Steelers conducted pre-draft visits with Penn State's Drew Allar, North Dakota State's Cole Payton, Arkansas' Taylen Green, and Miami's Carson Beck—all bigger prospects with intriguing traits. Beat reporter Mark Kaboly noted they tried multiple times to host LSU's Garrett Nussmeier but schedules did not align. Allar stands out as a potential long-term starter per scouting grades, fitting the team's preferences. Analysts diverge on drafting another quarterback. FS1's Chris Broussard argued against adding a 'so-so prospect' behind Howard, suggesting patience for a higher pick next year if needed. ESPN's Louis Riddick questioned Ty Simpson's fit at No. 21, citing lingering Pickett trauma and the team's mid-round focus.
