The Pittsburgh Steelers are all-in on 2025, signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers for what will likely be his final NFL season and adding some new pieces to both the offense and defense.

But the Steelers will soon need to turn their attention to the future, which could start with one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2026 class. Brentley Weissman of Pro Football Sports Network predicted that the Steelers would use their top draft pick on LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.

Steelers Need to ‘Secure Quarterback of the Future’

Weissman noted that the Steelers have a one-year answer at quarterback with Rodgers, who has not explicitly said this will be his final season but strongly hinted that he is done after 2025.

“One thing seems certain as it relates to next year’s draft: the Steelers will be drafting a quarterback in the first round,” Weissman wrote. “With Aaron Rodgers already on record saying that this will almost certainly be his last season, Pittsburgh has to secure a quarterback of the future.”

Weissman predicted the Steelers would take Nussmeier with the No. 19 overall pick next year, adding a highly touted quarterback with what could be a rapid rebuild.

“LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier likely would have been a first-round pick had he entered the 2025 NFL Draft,” Weissman wrote. “A coach’s son, Nussmeier plays the game with excellent instincts, accuracy, and decision-making skills.”

ESPN analyst Rece Davis noted that the LSU quarterback has a chance at going No. 1 overall next year — which would likely put him out of Pittsburgh’s reach — but will need to work on some deficiencies in his game.

“Nussmeier might be one of those super gifted guys,” Davis said, via SI.com. “But I also think that probably both LSU this year and whatever NFL team gets him, they’re going to have some ‘Why did he throw that’ moments because of the supreme confidence he has in his ability to make those throws and I actually love that kind of guy. I think he’s terrific. He’s fun to watch.”

LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan said at spring practices that Nussmeier has been working hard on his game, especially the “why did he throw that” mistakes that Davis mentioned.

“He’s been really intentional,” Sloan said, via SI.com. “I think really some of our staff did a great job of breaking some different things down for him so he could really see some individual things and he could take back control of those situations.”

Aaron Rodgers Hints at Final Season

While Rodgers has yet to announce a final decision, he has hinted that he wants to end his career with the Steelers. The team has added some weapons on offense, including wide receiver DK Metcalf, in the hopes of making a run in a conference crowded with Super Bowl contenders.

“I played 20 fricking years. It’s been a long run,” Rodgers said, via ESPN. “I’ve enjoyed it, and no better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys in the city that expects you to win.”