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Pittsburgh Steelers' leadership has indicated they are unlikely to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan and Art Rooney II have shifted focus, suggesting they may explore other positions instead.
Why Pittsburgh Steelers are unlikely to draft a QB in round 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For over a year, the Steelers were very open about what they wanted to do in 2026. Art Rooney II, General Manager Omar Khan, and Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl all said the same thing: they wanted a quarterback in the first round. Then Art Rooney II went on WTAE on Friday. Said something that changed everything.
He said:Â âI think I can tell you one thing, itâs probably not going to be a quarterback. But beyond that itâs wide open. Of course, it depends on what happens in front of us. But, you know, I think itâll be exciting to build. Interesting. A lot of interesting players in this Draft... But as you probably know, we have 12 selections in this Draft. So we have an opportunity to really add some talent to the roster.â
Rooney II's comments do not mean they will not get a quarterback. The Steelers are interested in Alabama's Ty Simpson. Everyone knows it.
It is interesting that the GM is talking about this before the draft. The Steelers are hosting the draft this year, and they pick 21st overall. Teams like the Steelers do not tell everyone what they are going to do before the draft.
The Steelers do not know what Aaron Rodgers is going to do. Rooney II said he expected Rodgers to make a decision before the draft, but the QB has not made a decision yet.
The Steelers' management, including Art Rooney II, has indicated a shift in strategy, stating it's 'probably not going to be a quarterback' in the first round.
The Steelers have shown interest in Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, despite not planning to draft a QB in the first round.
The Steelers have 12 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, providing them with opportunities to add talent to their roster.

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It is hard to use a first-round pick on a quarterback when you do not know what Rodgers is going to do. The Steelers already have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the team.
The Steelers have 12 picks in the draft. They can use some of these picks to get a quarterback if they want to.
I think the GM is just trying to manage what people expect. If the Steelers get Simpson or maybe another QB, it should not be a surprise.