Steelers projected to replace Russell Wilson with this first-round QB

Following the 2024 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers must make some huge decisions. None of those decisions will be bigger than what they do at the quarterback position. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen are all free agents, meaning the Steelers could have an entirely new quarterback room if they wish.

They already turned the room over once before, however, trading Kenny Pickett, releasing Mitch Trubisky, and letting Mason Rudolph walk in free agency. Dianna Russini of the Athletic did say the Steelers are expected to bring Wilson back, though.

However, that did not stop mock draft experts from mocking a quarterback to the Steelers in the first round amid some questions about the positon. ESPN’s Matt Miller had the Steelers drafting Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe to be their quarterback of the future.

"The Steelers’ future at quarterback is a big question heading into the offseason, as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to be free agents. Either could return, but the Steelers might be searching for more of a long-term option,” Miller wrote. “Milroe has a combination of Wilson’s arm strength and pocket mobility and Fields’ rushing ability. He’s still a bit raw as a prospect, but he has 15 touchdown passes and rushed for 17 more scores this season. Milroe just needs to improve his touch as a passer, but scouts I’ve talked to said he has the most upside of any draft-eligible quarterback in the class. And should the Steelers sign Wilson, Milroe could sit, learn and develop further.”

The Steelers have sent scouts around the country to evaluate the 2025 quarterback class. They were at Alabama-LSU a few weeks ago and have seen Milroe at least three times this season, which could hint at some general interest in the Alabama signal-caller.

Yet, after a hot start to the season, Milroe has struggled to get going. That was put on display even more in Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma, and it seems likelier than not that Milroe could fall out of the first round. So, while drafting a quarterback is not out of the realm of possibility, Milroe seems unlikely based on his recent performance.