Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t throwing in the towel for Aaron Rodgers yet, but they know that the 41-year-old could end up watching the 2025 NFL season from home.
While Tomlin and the Steelers have decided to keep their doors open for Rodgers, the team has also made its due diligence ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. And of all the quarterbacks from this year’s class, Shedeur Sanders appears to lead Pittsburgh’s wish list.
Not long ago, reports suggested that Tomlin and the Steelers really like the Colorado quarterback, especially if Rodgers ultimately turns them down. And while their interest in Sanders is no secret, the biggest obstacle appeared to be their turn in the upcoming draft.
The Steelers’ No. 21 pick has raised questions on their ability to get Sanders, as many expected Shedeur to be taken earlier in the first round. However, Pittsburgh may end up finding an open path to get the prospect they want as Adam Schefter reports that the New Orleans Saints could pass on Shedeur at No. 9.
Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“There is a belief around the league that the Saints are more interested in using a high pick on an offensive or defensive lineman, because there are questions about two starters: tackle Trevor Penning and guard Nick Saldiveri. The belief is they want to draft a quarterback — just maybe not at No. 9, and maybe not Sanders. As another personnel executive said: ‘I don’t think New Orleans is taking Shedeur. I think they’re hot and heavy on Jaxson Dart‘,” Schefter wrote on ESPN.
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Saints may pull out of competition with Steelers for Sanders
The Saints overlooking Sanders would be quite the development for the Steelers, who expected New Orleans to be one of their biggest competitors for the 23-year-old signal-caller.
That reported interest explains why the Steelers would consider trading up in the 2025 NFL Draft, hoping to get on the clock before the Saints to secure Sanders. However, Schefter’s latest information suggests that such a move may not be necessary.
Sanders could be drafted before the Steelers get a chance to move up
Still, there’s a gap between No. 9 and No. 21, so even if the Saints pass on Shedeur, the Steelers risk seeing Sanders get drafted before their turn. But Pittsburgh may not even get an opportunity to get close to the QB.
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The Giants, who hold the third overall pick, could take Sanders before giving the rest of the NFL a chance. New York has closely monitored the quarterback in the last few months, but it also had other prospects for private workous in recent days. Another factor that could benefit Pittsburgh is that the Giants may not need to add at quarterback after signing both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency. But only time will tell.
