Steelers’ QB Problem Is Bigger Than Mike Tomlin

#Steelers’ QB Problem Is Bigger Than Mike Tomlin — And the Fix Won’t Be Easy

Another January ended the same way for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

For the third straight season — and the fifth time in six years — Pittsburgh’s playoff run ended abruptly on Wild Card Weekend. While simply reaching the postseason remains an accomplishment in today’s parity-heavy NFL, the reality is unavoidable: the Steelers haven’t looked like a true Super Bowl threat in nearly a decade.

They are stuck in the league’s most dangerous middle ground — too competitive to fully reset, yet nowhere close to championship contention. And after years of running in place, something is finally reaching a breaking point.

#The Tomlin Question Isn’t the Only One

Much of the conversation has centered around head coach Mike Tomlin, who has led the franchise since 2007. His résumé remains impressive — a Super Bowl title, zero losing seasons, and nearly two decades of stability. But Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, and Tomlin hasn’t appeared in a Super Bowl since the 2010 season.

Calls for change are growing louder, even if ownership ultimately decides continuity is still the right path. Regardless of Tomlin’s future, one issue dwarfs all others.

#Quarterback Has Become Pittsburgh’s Achilles’ Heel

Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have failed to find a long-term answer at quarterback. What followed has been a series of short-term fixes — veteran stopgaps and recycled starters — none of which solved the underlying problem.

The organization moved on from Kenny Pickett after just two seasons, then turned to combinations of Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and later Aaron Rodgers. While those moves were good enough to sneak into the playoffs, they never raised the ceiling of the roster.

Simply put: band-aids haven’t worked.

#Why Running It Back Isn’t an Option

Convincing Rodgers to return for a 22nd NFL season might provide familiarity, but it does nothing to change Pittsburgh’s trajectory. The same can be said for chasing flawed veterans like Daniel Jones or Malik Willis on the open market.

If the Steelers want to escape NFL purgatory, they need a long-term quarterback — not another temporary solution.

#The Draft Reality Check

That’s where things get complicated.

Pittsburgh currently owns the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, well outside the range required to land elite quarterback prospects like Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore, who are widely viewed as the top two players in the class.

Trading up is unrealistic. Teams selecting first and second — including quarterback-needy franchises like the Raiders and Jets — have little incentive to move down. Even with 12 total draft picks, including five inside the top 100, the price would be franchise-altering in the worst way.

So where does that leave the Steelers?

#Why Ty Simpson Makes Sense

If Pittsburgh stays patient, Ty Simpson could be the answer.

Ranked as the third quarterback on most boards, Simpson doesn’t carry the hype of the top two prospects — but he brings something equally important: projection. The former Alabama quarterback finished his lone season as a starter with 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, while guiding the Crimson Tide to an 11–4 record.

His accuracy, decision-making, and pocket awareness stand out on film. While he isn’t an elite athlete and still needs refinement against pressure, Simpson shows traits that translate well to the NFL level.

Most importantly, he represents a realistic path forward — either at No. 21 or via a modest trade up.

#The Veteran Bridge Plan

Drafting a rookie quarterback doesn’t mean throwing him into the fire.

Pairing Simpson with a proven veteran would allow Pittsburgh to remain competitive while developing its future. Joe Flacco fits that mold perfectly.

Despite being 40 years old, Flacco proved in 2025 that he can still function as a capable starter. His leadership, experience, and low projected cost make him an ideal bridge option — one who can mentor a young quarterback without blocking his development.

With nearly $65 million in cap space, the Steelers would still have flexibility to improve the roster around their new signal-caller.

#A Reset, Not a Tank

Pittsburgh doesn’t need to bottom out to rebuild — but it does need a direction.

Targeting Simpson, adding a veteran mentor, and committing to a multi-year quarterback plan would finally give the franchise something it hasn’t had since Roethlisberger: clarity.

The Steelers may not contend immediately, but for the first time in years, they would have a future worth building toward.