The Pittsburgh Steelers have a major question to address at quarterback, and the 2025 NFL Draft could serve as a push in the right direction ahead of next season.
Justin Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets after starting the first six games for the Steelers. And veteran Russell Wilson is still undecided on where he'll play in 2025 after taking over for Fields last season.
The Steelers reportedly met with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers on Friday, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. But even if a deal with Rodgers is struck, it's unclear how long the 41-year old intends to keep playing, and the Steelers would need a future option.
According to a new mock draft from Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling, Pittsburgh draft's its quarterback of the future Jaxson Dart, an "instant upgrade" at No. 21 overall in the first round
"I know this probably feels too much like Kenny Pickett, but Dart has physical tools that Pickett just couldn't bring to the table in Pittsburgh," Easterling wrote. "He's got the arm talent, anticipation and athleticism to become a successful starter with the right supporting cast, and he'd be an instant upgrade for the Steelers."
Dart (6-foot-2, 223 pounds) led the SEC as a senior, completing 69.3% of his passes for 4,279 yards with 32 total touchdowns. The former USC transfer became Ole Miss' all-time leading passer (10,617 yards), passing Rebels' legend Eli Manning.
Dart, an All-SEC First-Team selection in 2024, followed up a career-year with a stellar performance at the combine in Indianapolis. The Draper, Utah, native has since risen up draft boards and could easily find himself landing in the first round to a team like the Steelers.
The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 3:50 PM.