Steelers predicted to select 77-TD, dual-threat quarterback to replace Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have posted a 10-5 record through 15 games in 2024, and one of the primary reasons for the team's success has been efficient quarterback play. Russell Wilson has served as the starting signal caller since Week 7, totaling 15 touchdowns to just four interceptions, along with a 6-3 record. 

Wilson dealt with a calf injury at the start of the year, so Justin Fields started the first six games of the season for the Steelers. The 2021 No.11 overall pick posted a 4-2 record and totaled ten touchdowns (five passing, five rushing) and just two turnovers. Fields showed a ton of promise in his six starts this season but lost the starting gig when Wilson returned from injury in Week 7.

Though Wilson and Fields have impressed in 2024, both players will be unrestricted free agents this offseason. There is a scenario where both, one of the two, or neither return to the team next season. Nevertheless, The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler predicts general manager Omar Khan will prioritize the quarterback position this offseason and select Alabama signal caller Jalen Milroe in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

"QB remains an immediate and long-term question for head coach Mike Tomlin. Jalen Milroe has day-two grades from most teams, but his vertical touch and electric lower half push him into the back end of day one here in what is a really nice spot for his development."

Though Milroe is extremely dynamic and has a ton of potential, using a first-round pick on the junior quarterback would be an awful move from Omar Khan. Milroe is incredibly inaccurate and has had some turnover troubles in 2024. The Texas native has been the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback for the last two seasons and has totaled 77 touchdowns in his collegiate career (44 passing, 33 rushing).

The Steelers should look to re-sign Wilson and bring the veteran back as the 2025 starter. If the franchise decides to let Fields walk, then drafting Milroe on Day 2 to serve as a developmental project and backup for Wilson would be a savvy move by Pittsburgh. But taking Milroe in the first round when you have more pressing needs would be pure incompetence from the organization. 

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