The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t celebrate hosting the 2026 NFL Draft by christening it with a new first-round franchise quarterback. Speaking to WTAE’s Andrew Stockey in a pre-draft interview Friday, owner Art Rooney II all but confirmed the Steelers won’t use their 21st overall pick on a quarterback.

“I think I can tell you one thing, it’s probably not going to be a quarterback,” Rooney told Stockey. “But beyond that it’s wide open.”

Select draft analysts whispered about the Steelers’ secret like of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. But the team showed no overt signs in having interest in him. Neither Mike McCarthy nor Omar Khan attended Simpson’s pro day workout. Despite bringing in four passers for pre-draft visits, Simpson wasn’t among the group.

Pittsburgh has described wanting an “AFC North” quarterback. One with size and experience in the elements. Simpson, at about 6-1 and 211 pounds and who played down south, doesn’t fit that bill.

Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Simpson are the top two quarterbacks in the draft. From there, the field is wide open without any clarity on what round the third quarterback will be selected.

The Steelers could draft a quarterback in the later rounds. Penn State’s Drew Allar, Miami (FL)’s Carson Beck, Arkansas’ Taylen Green, and North Dakota State’s Cole Payton came in for visits. Of that group, Allar might be the favorite.

Aaron Rodgers has yet to offer Pittsburgh official word on his 2026 plans, but indications are he will return. The team remains high on 2025 sixth-round selection Will Howard. Despite failing to take a single snap inside a stadium all of last season, head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio have spoken glowingly of Howard’s makeup and approach to the position.

Rooney didn’t tip his hand to what position the Steelers could address in the first round. Wide receiver, offensive line, and secondary could all be in play. It will depend on how the board breaks in front of them Thursday night. Still, Rooney offered a key piece of information of what Pittsburgh won’t do Thursday night. But if the Steelers’ quarterback woes aren’t’ solved this time next year, it’s doubtful Rooney will be able to rule out the position come 2027.