The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent years searching for a long-term answer at quarterback. Yet every season seems to end with the same question hanging over the franchise. Who is the future under center?
Now, a rare opportunity may have landed in their lap. With former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby set to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft in July 2026, NFL draft analyst Todd McShay believes Pittsburgh should seriously consider making a move. It is an unexpected link, but one that could make plenty of sense for a team still trying to move on from the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.
Todd McShay Sees Brendan Sorsby as a Rare Chance for the Steelers to Solve the Quarterback Puzzle
Speaking on The McShay Show, McShay explained why the Steelers should not dismiss the possibility of pursuing Sorsby. "Pittsburgh has tried so long to find their guy at quarterback. You can't wait until the second round because you got the Jets, you got the Cardinals, you got the Browns. They're all picking before you. I know the reasons why they wouldn't. I can't rule out Pittsburgh. This is a unique opportunity for the Steelers."
McShay later doubled down on the idea. "The Steelers have been mired in this, 'We're good enough every year. We're right on the fringe. We're either in the playoffs, getting knocked out early or we just miss the playoffs. So we're always picking around 21 or 23 or 25, so we can't get that guy. This is a unique opportunity for the Steelers. I'm just throwing it out there."
His comments touch on a problem Pittsburgh knows all too well. Since Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season, the Steelers have struggled to find stability at quarterback. Kenny Pickett failed to become the franchise cornerstone many expected. Similarly, Russell Wilson lasted only one season. Although Aaron Rodgers returned in 2026 after playing last season, the veteran is a short-term solution rather than a long-term investment, as he is nearing retirement.
That is where Brendan Sorsby becomes intriguing. The former Cincinnati quarterback threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and just five interceptions last season. He also brings a dangerous rushing element, having produced more than 1,300 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns during his college career.
Of course, there is risk. Sorsby's college career ended in controversy after NCAA findings tied him to thousands of sports wagers, including bets involving his former team at Indiana. With his college eligibility exhausted, the Supplemental Draft now offers his only realistic path to the NFL.
The Steelers have reportedly done background work on Sorsby already. However, they may face competition from quarterback-needy teams such as the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals.
Still, McShay's point remains simple. Opportunities to acquire quarterback talent rarely fall into Pittsburgh's range. Brendan Sorsby might be one of the few exceptions. If the Steelers truly want a shot at their next franchise quarterback, July's Supplemental Draft could become one of the most important decisions of their offseason.
