Steelers Eye Trade Up for Quarterback Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering moving up from the second round to secure a quarterback in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, both the Steelers and another unnamed team are eyeing the No. 20 pick held by the Denver Broncos.

The Steelers are currently slated to pick 21st. With quarterback Shedeur Sanders‘ stock plummeting recently, they could find themselves in a strategic position if they act quickly. Sanders, who played for the University of Colorado in 2023 and 2024, was once a top-three prospect in the draft.

Head coach Mike Tomlin shared his thoughts on Sanders after a pre-draft visit earlier this week. ‘It was a normal pre-draft visit to spend time with a young man, to talk ball, to get to know him as an individual,’ Tomlin said. ‘From that standpoint, it was a very normal visit and a very productive one. There’s a toughness there that doesn’t get talked about enough.’ Tomlin praised Sanders’ competitive spirit and football intelligence during their meeting.

Despite previously knowing Sanders’ father, Tomlin noted that their conversation did not involve family dynamics. ‘I’m not sure Sanders will be much different,’ he said regarding coaching sons of NFL legends.

The Steelers have a history of predicting their draft picks based on pre-draft visits. In 2025, they have already brought in eight defensive linemen and nine running backs, addressing top team needs effectively. This includes selecting defensive lineman Derrick Harmon from Oregon in the first round and running back Kaleb Johnson from Iowa in the third round.

Under general manager Omar Khan, the Steelers have frequently chosen players they met during pre-draft visits, making it crucial for them to keep an eye on remaining undrafted prospects like quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Kyle McCord. While some key positions have been addressed, their quarterback strategy remains critical.

Kaleb Johnson expressed excitement about joining the Steelers, feeling welcomed during his pre-draft visit. ‘This has just been a dream for me and my family,’ he said, emphasizing his commitment to improving the team’s running game.

As the draft approaches, it remains to be seen if the Steelers will successfully trade up for a quarterback or if they will stay put at No. 21, where they hope to secure a solid player.