Steelers Swing for Franchise Quarterback … Again … in 2026 NFL Mock Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and general manager Omar Khan seem to think they’ve got a Super Bowl roster.
There’s no other explanation for the moves Khan has made, adding players like Darius Slay Jr., Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey, in addition to signing 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers is here on a one-year deal and has hinted at retirement after the season.
That’ll leave the Steelers without a bona fide starting quarterback heading into 2026, while most likely still searching for their first Super Bowl appearance since 2010, when, ironically, Rodgers beat them while with the Green Bay Packers.
That could be why PFSN has the Steelers selecting a quarterback in the first round of its 2026 way-too-early mock draft.
ROUND 1, PICK19 – Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
“One thing is certain as it relates to next year’s draft: the Steelers will be drafting a quarterback in the first round. With Aaron Rodgers already on record saying that this will almost certainly be his last season, Pittsburgh has to secure a quarterback of the future. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier likely would have been a first-round pick had he entered the 2025 draft.
“A coach’s son, Nussmeier plays the game with excellent instincts, accuracy, and decision making.”
NFL Draft Buzz noted Nussmeier’s “flashes of brilliance” in its NFL Draft profile.
“The former four-star recruit showed flashes of brilliance in limited action before earning the starting role, including a record-setting 395-yard performance in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl that saw him engineer a 98-yard game-winning drive.
“His first full season as starter in 2024 was a rollercoaster of jaw-dropping throws and gutsy performances, highlighted by an overtime thriller against Ole Miss where he converted two fourth downs on the game-tying drive before delivering the winning strike to Kyren Lacy.”
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.