The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering throwing a curveball into their quarterback plans. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Steelers will host Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders for a top-30 pre-draft visit.
From @GMFB: Shedeur Sanders is set to visit the #Steelers. What does it mean for him and what does it mean for Aaron Rodgers? pic.twitter.com/XW38D5Klo5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2025
Sanders is generally considered the second-best quarterback prospect in the draft and has been projected to go as high as second overall to the Cleveland Browns. The New York Giants also have a significant need at quarterback and hold the third overall pick. The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets at six and seven could also use a young prospect to learn under their recent veteran additions.
The Steelers showing significant interest in Sanders despite holding the 21st overall pick implies one of two things. On the one hand, they could be considering a trade-up for Sanders. On the other hand, it could also suggest that teams at the top of the draft don't necessarily see Sanders as an elite talent, and he could be in line for a draft-day fall.
In either case, the fact that the Steelers are investigating Sanders complicates their prolonged courtship of former New York Jets and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP has long been considered a safe bet to eventually sign with the Steelers, yet with each passing day, the Steelers have more cause to doubt Rodgers' commitment to playing in 2025.
Even if the Steelers eventually land Rodgers, they'd be wise to pursue an alternative option in the draft. Rodgers has been thoroughly ineffectual over his past three seasons, amassing a 14-21 record while averaging 5.85 net yards per passing attempt and 216.9 passing yards per game.
Sanders, the son of Colorado head coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, started 24 games for the Buffaloes, passing for 7364 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, but he's hardly a perfect prospect. He's less accomplished than many typical top incoming quarterbacks (Colorado amassed a mere 13-12 record over the past two seasons), and he probably lacks the speed and elusiveness to run away from NFL defensive linemen. He netted -127 rushing yards over 211 rushing attempts at Colorado.
Ultimately, Rodgers and Sanders both have serious question marks. The Steelers need not choose between one or the other. Their best-case scenario may be entering the 2025 regular season with both on the roster.
