Steelers Predicted to Draft Aaron Rodgers Alternative

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the many teams who would benefit from improvements at the quarterback position, whether through the draft or free agency.

The team had two potential starters last season in Justin Fields and Russell Wilson who both entered free agency this offseason. Justin Fields signed with the New York Jets on a two-year, $20 million deal, while Russell Wilson is still available and meeting with other teams.

Aaron Rodgers based on reports seems like the most likely starter for the Steelers next season, but whether they sign him or not, the team could look to the draft to address the quarterback position.

In a mock draft on CBS Sports by Josh Edwards, the Steelers take not Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, but Jaxon Dart with pick No. 21. The Steelers were originally often mocked to take a receiver at 21, but after trading for DK Metcalf, the team’s draft strategy is more up in the air.

More news: Steelers Land DK Metcalf in Massive Blockbuster Trade With Seahawks

Dart is an interesting prospect out of Ole Miss, who seems to be the third-best quarterback in this year’s weak class.

Dart finished 2024 with 4,279 yards, a 69% completion percentage, 29 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 180.7. Based on his passer ratings, he showed improvement in each of his four seasons in college.

At just 21 years old, Dart may benefit from starting as a backup to a veteran, such as a Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.

The Steelers already have a good roster in place, so using a first-round pick on a player who won’t contribute right away isn’t the worst thing.

Aaron Rodgers has a controversial personality, but from a talent perspective at least, would be a good mentor for a young quarterback. Jordan Love turned out pretty well after all.

The issue with taking Dart is the team has pressing needs at other spots as well that would be more helpful in trying to topple the Baltimore Ravens, both in the division and in the playoffs.

Those needs include help in the secondary, offensive line help, and a replacement for Najee Harris at running back.

However, from a long-term perspective, if the front office believes in Dart as a prospect, taking him in the first round and signing a veteran to start in the short term makes a lot of sense.

Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan have a lot of difficult but intriguing decisions to make for the rest of this offseason.

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