The Pittsburgh Steelers have exceeded expectations thus far in 2024, as Mike Tomlin’s squad is 8-3 and atop the AFC North through 12 weeks. Pittsburgh suffered a frustrating 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 but will have a chance to bounce back in Week 13 versus the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
The Steelers’ quarterback play has been a primary reason for the team’s success in 2024. Russell Wilson has been playing clean and efficient football since taking over as the starter in Week 7, and Justin Fields did a fantastic job filling in for Wilson in the first six games of the season when the veteran was dealing with a calf injury.
Though Pittsburgh’s quarterback room is one of the better position groups on the roster, there is some uncertainty surrounding the position after this season, as Wilson and Fields will be unrestricted free agents this offseason. If the Steelers fail to re-sign one of their signal callers in the offseason, FanSided’s Tommy Jaggi believes the team will draft Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
If the choice were solely up to Mike Tomlin, the Steelers might just stream quarterbacks until he retires. Though Russell Wilson and Justin Fields had something to offer this year, both players have expiring contracts in the offseason, and neither screams ‘franchise quarterback.’
Ward, a fifth-year senior with loads of college experience, has a live arm and can maneuver well within the pocket. He’s a natural thrower with the ability to improvise with the football — making him a perfect fit in today’s NFL.
Ward has been one of the most dynamic players in the nation this season, totaling 36 touchdown passes to just seven interceptions with four rushing touchdowns. The Texas native has immense arm talent and strength and is a fantastic improviser when a play breaks down.
Though Ward would be an exciting draft choice from the Steelers, it is unlikely to happen. The 22-year-old will likely be a top-ten selection in April’s draft, and it’s hard to envision a world where Pittsburgh doesn’t re-sign either Wilson or Fields.
Ward has a ton of talent and will be an electric signal caller in the NFL, but the Steelers won’t be in a position to select the Miami quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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