The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads in their search for a reliable quarterback.
With Justin Fields now playing for the New York Jets after signing a staggering $40 million contract, and Aaron Rodgers struggling with injuries and age, the Steelers are being urged to look elsewhere.
Their search for a true franchise quarterback may have led them to one name – Jalen Milroe.
The electrifying prospect Steelers can’t ignore
The conversation around the Steelers‘ quarterback position is shifting from stopgap solutions to potential long-term fixes. As pointed out by Fox Sports’ RJ Young, Jalen Milroe presents an exciting, albeit raw, alternative to established veterans like Aaron Rodgers.
Young remarked: “I think the guy they actually should be looking at isn’t Shedeur or Aaron Rodgers, probably Jalen Milroe. I think they should go Jalen Milroe, who threw down a 4.37-just so everybody understands, he is one of the fastest men available in this NFL draft and he plays quarterback.”
Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback from Alabama, dazzled scouts with an impressive 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, solidifying his reputation as one of the most athletic players in this year’s draft class.
Last season, he racked up 2,844 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, demonstrating both arm strength and mobility.
Jeremy Fowler of The Rich Eisen Show also highlighted Pittsburgh’s apparent interest in Milroe, stating: “They were in Alabama with Jalen Milroe and had dinner with him. I wouldn’t understate that because Pittsburgh actually has a penchant for looking into and drafting guys they have dinner with. It’s sort of a tell for them sometimes.”
A future with Rodgers or Milroe?
Mike Tomlin, who has guided the Steelers without a losing season since taking over as head coach in 2007, is now facing one of his most crucial decisions.
The possibility of bringing in Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off a year plagued by an Achilles injury and retirement speculation, remains. However, Rodgers represents only a short-term solution.
The alternative is investing in a younger, dynamic quarterback who can bring a fresh offensive style to Pittsburgh. With Milroe’s speed, arm strength, and ability to make plays outside of structure, he offers the potential to transform the Steelers’ offense into a modern, unpredictable force.
As RJ Young further noted, the comparisons between Milroe and Lamar Jackson are inevitable but not entirely accurate. His style resembles Jalen Hurts more, especially in his ability to overcome adversity and continuously improve his game.
Young emphasized: “The guy that I think he most resembles is Jalen Hurts. Hurts had a problem putting the ball on the floor at Oklahoma, got benched in a national championship game, and still led the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl.”
Steelers’ decision could define their future
Pittsburgh’s management now faces a critical decision: pursue the stability of Aaron Rodgers or embrace the high-risk, high-reward potential of Jalen Milroe.
While Rodgers could bring immediate credibility to the position, his age and injury concerns may overshadow his experience. On the other hand, Milroe’s athleticism and dynamic playing style could rejuvenate an offense that has struggled to find its identity.
The recent dinner meeting between Milroe, Mike Tomlin, and GM Omar Khan further suggests that the Steelers are seriously considering the young quarterback.
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, Pittsburgh must decide whether to take a chance on youth and potential or cling to the security of experience.
