Shedeur Sanders gets Steelers' attention with pre-draft visit amid uncertainty over Aaron Rodgers

Shedeur Sanders is generating serious attention ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and his upcoming visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers has added even more intrigue to an already dramatic quarterback situation. With the Aaron Rodgers saga still unresolved, the Steelers appear to be hedging their bets and preparing for the possibility of selecting a quarterback in the first round—and Sanders may be at the top of their list.FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz confirmed on Tuesday that the Steelers are set to host the Colorado star quarterback for a pre-draft visit on Thursday. The move indicates that Pittsburgh is taking a hard look at its options under center, especially with the team currently holding the 21st overall pick. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette also corroborated the scheduled meeting, emphasizing just how serious this interest might be.Pittsburgh’s quarterback depth chart currently features Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson—names that don’t exactly inspire confidence in a division dominated by the likes of Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields gone, the need for a franchise quarterback is more urgent than ever.While ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that “they feel good about this shaking out that Rodgers will be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” nothing is official yet. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added fuel to the fire, saying, “I would be very surprised if it wasn’t the Steelers if he plays.” Still, Rodgers' potential retirement or delay in decision-making has forced the Steelers to scout alternatives.Enter Shedeur Sanders, widely viewed as one of the top two quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft. While analysts like FOX Sports' Rob Rang and Joel Klatt have ranked him as the best QB in the class—No. 13 and No. 8 on their respective big boards—NFL teams aren’t unanimous. Cam Ward is reportedly the favorite to go first overall to the Titans, and the Browns and Giants, who hold the second and third picks, may pass on Sanders altogether.That opens the door for mid-first round teams like Pittsburgh, who could either hope Sanders falls to 21 or explore trade-up options. As FOX Sports’ Greg Auman pointed out, “The Browns and Giants... might see enough value to justify trading up from the 33rd or 34th pick to grab him in the middle of the first round,” potentially ahead of Pittsburgh. Teams like the Buccaneers (No. 19), Broncos (No. 20), and Falcons (No. 15) could either be obstacles or trade partners.Even if Rodgers signs, Pittsburgh remains without a long-term solution. Coach Mike Tomlin addressed this at the league meetings in March, saying that while he and Rodgers “were still having a dialogue,” the team would be “comfortable starting Rudolph if they had to.” But clearly, the front office isn’t sitting idle.Shedeur Sanders will be the third quarterback to visit Pittsburgh this offseason, following Louisville’s Tyler Shough and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart. While it’s still unclear if the Steelers will pull the trigger on a first-round quarterback, their interest in Sanders signals they’re prepared for any outcome—Rodgers or not.In a quarterback-heavy draft, Pittsburgh’s strategy could define its future for years. And if Sanders does fall within reach, the Steelers might just seize the opportunity.Also Read: Travis Kelce’s wild past: How his party-boy reputation follows him despite his relationship with Taylor Swift