March 26, 2026, 8:56 p.m. ET
With the 2026 NFL Draft still ahead and the quarterback situation unsettled, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain a team to watch. The organization has yet to make a definitive move at the position this offseason, and veteran Aaron Rodgers has not announced whether he will return for the 2026 season.
PFSN draft analyst Jacob Infante projected LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to Pittsburgh at No. 99 overall. Infante is high on Nussmeier’s baseline traits, writing, “Garrett Nussmeier excels in all the fundamentals: he’s accurate, smart, and composed under pressure. His pocket presence and decision-making stand out. His 2025 inconsistency sees him fall down the board pretty significantly, but when he’s on like he was for most of 2024, he displays genuine NFL starting potential.”
Nussmeier’s uneven 2025 season comes with important context, but his pre-draft process helped restore confidence in his trajectory. After dealing with a lingering abdominal injury that impacted his mechanics during the fall, Nussmeier showed clear signs of progress at the two biggest events leading up to the draft.
He turned heads at the Senior Bowl, earning MVP honors after a sharp outing in January. Nussmeier completed 5 of 8 passes for 57 yards, added a rushing touchdown, and converted a two-point attempt through the air. His lone interception came on a receiver drop, making the performance even more encouraging.
That momentum carried into the NFL Combine in February, where his arm strength and overall mechanics looked much improved compared to the fall. After spending time rehabbing and retraining his throwing motion, Nussmeier appeared more comfortable and in control.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Those combined showings helped reinforce the idea that his 2025 dip was more circumstantial than indicative of his long-term potential.
If the Steelers take a chance on Nussmeier, he could provide intriguing competition for Howard, especially if he shows signs of returning to his 2024 self.