Mike Tomlin liked Shedeur Sanders in the draft but hesitated after past struggles with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the recent NFL Draft with a glaring quarterback question mark. Mike Tomlin reportedly admired Shedeur Sanders , a promising young QB prospect, but hesitation within the organization led to passing on him. This reluctance stemmed from previous tough experiences with quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields , a decision that could have lasting consequences.


Past QB failures shaped Steelers’ risk-averse draft approach



Mike Tomlin ’s hesitation to fully back Shedeur Sanders in the draft is tied directly to the Steelers’ recent quarterback turmoil. While Tomlin himself was reportedly a fan of Sanders, the broader organization was wary of repeating history after the messy 2023 season involving Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.


Wilson, acquired in a high-profile quarterback trade, struggled down the stretch, while Fields failed to meet expectations, leading to an unstable quarterback room. These setbacks created a deep-seated fear within the Steelers’ leadership of rushing into another quarterback decision. It was Tomlin, despite liking Sanders, who reportedly didn’t want to press that button again after what happened with Russell at the end of the year.


The team decided to pass on quarterback Shedeur Sanders, leaving fans questioning whether the Steelers missed out on a potential long-term solution. With uncertainty still looming, the franchise’s quarterback future remains unclear.


Shedeur Sanders is not just another rookie; his skill set and play style suggested he could have been a strong fit for Pittsburgh’s offense. For a team desperate to solve their quarterback woes, passing on a potential franchise QB raised many questions. Now, with the Steelers hoping 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers will step in and save the day, doubts about the franchise’s quarterback future only deepen.

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In the end, Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach, influenced by past failures with Wilson and Fields, may have cost Pittsburgh a valuable opportunity. The Steelers’ quarterback saga continues, but the offseason decision to sidestep Shedeur Sanders has only added to the uncertainty looming over the franchise’s future. As division rivals like the Browns invest in young talent, Pittsburgh’s conservative draft choices could widen the competitive gap in the AFC North.