Pittsburgh Steelers Eye Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders as Russell Wilson’s Future Remains Uncertain
The 2025 NFL Draft is just over a month away, and the buzz around two standout quarterbacks—Miami Hurricanes’ Cam Ward and Colorado Buffaloes’ Shedeur Sanders—is reaching new heights. Both players have attracted strong interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, a franchise valued at $5.3 billion, sparking speculation about the team’s quarterback plans.
Is Russell Wilson on His Way Out?
Rumors suggest that Wilson’s tenure in Pittsburgh may be coming to an abrupt end. According to insider Gerry Dulac, head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office are ready to move on from the ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback. While Wilson’s performance in the latter part of the season raised concerns, his overall stats—16 touchdowns and only five interceptions—paint a more complex picture. Despite leading the Steelers’ offense to its peak performance of the year, the team appears poised to part ways.
If Pittsburgh lets Russell Wilson AND Justin Fields leave they either feel really good about landing Aaron Rodgers, OR they plan to land Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
That would likely require a move up in the draft.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) March 12, 2025
Wilson is set to visit the Cleveland Browns on March 13, followed by a trip to the New York Giants on March 14, further signaling that his future in Pittsburgh is uncertain. Meanwhile, the focus has shifted to Ward and Sanders, two highly touted college quarterbacks with potential to reshape the franchise.
Steelers’ Draft Strategy: Moving Up for a QB?
For months, Pittsburgh insiders insisted the team wouldn’t draft a quarterback in the first round. However, the NFL Scouting Combine may have changed that stance. Miami Herald columnist Omar Kelly speculated that if the Steelers let both Wilson and Justin Fields go, they are either eyeing Aaron Rodgers or planning to move up in the draft to select Ward or Sanders.
Sanders, known for his confidence and leadership, has drawn attention for both his on-field skills and off-field persona. While some teams view his attitude as a strength, others reportedly have concerns. The Colorado QB would likely need to fall outside the Top 20 picks for Pittsburgh to have a realistic shot at drafting him, as the team holds the No. 21 overall selection.
Ward, on the other hand, has been compared to Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger. Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema noted that both quarterbacks share similar traits—while they aren’t the most mobile passers, they excel at deep throws and have a fearless approach to the game. Given these similarities, Tomlin may be particularly intrigued by Ward’s potential fit in Pittsburgh’s offensive system.
Aaron Rodgers Still in the Mix?
Despite the speculation surrounding young quarterbacks, the Steelers remain linked to Rodgers. The veteran quarterback’s future remains uncertain, and Pittsburgh appears to be waiting for an opportunity to acquire him. Meanwhile, other teams, including the New York Jets, are considering their own quarterback moves.
Jets Target Shedeur Sanders in Potential Draft Trade
The Jets have reportedly decided against bringing Rodgers back in 2025 and recently signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract. However, they may not be done addressing the quarterback position. One scenario projected by analyst Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz involves the Jets trading back into the first round with the Los Angeles Rams to secure the No. 26 overall pick and select Sanders.
While some teams have concerns about Sanders’ attitude and off-field interests—such as rapping and collecting luxury watches—others believe his confidence is exactly what a struggling franchise needs. The debate continues over whether Sanders’ personality is a red flag or an asset, but his talent is undeniable.
A High-Stakes Quarterback Shuffle
As draft day approaches, the Steelers must make critical decisions regarding their quarterback situation. Whether they move forward with Wilson, target a young prospect like Ward or Sanders, or attempt to land Rodgers, the franchise is at a pivotal moment. Meanwhile, the Jets and other teams are keeping a close eye on the quarterback market, making this one of the most intriguing pre-draft storylines in recent memory.
With so many moving parts, the question remains: Will the Steelers land one of the top young quarterbacks, or will another team swoop in to change the narrative?