Shedeur Sanders Drops Interesting Steelers Comment Before NFL Draft

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders isn’t against the idea of getting selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Thursday night’s 2025 NFL Draft.

Sanders, in fact, is already thinking about what it would be like playing for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin next season. When asked by Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who his favorite NFL receivers were, with no hesitation, Sanders offered a pro-Pittsburgh response — pouring gas on the idea of becoming the next Steelers quarterback.

“I like (Chris) Olave, I like Malik (Nabers), and I like George Pickens and DK Metcalf,” Sanders said, per Bryan DeAdro of CBS Sports. “So, whatever that means for whoever is listening.”

The Steelers need a quarterback more than anything. It’s the final box left unchecked on their offseason agenda, and the thought of landing Sanders in the first round would immediately relieve the prolonged worry that free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers won’t sign with the team. Rodgers met with Pittsburgh over four weeks ago, and ever since, the 41-year-old has gone silent — except when it came to joining ESPN’s Pat McAfee for an on-air appearance.

Sanders is among the most highly-touted quarterback prospects coming out of this year’s draft class, and the 23-year-old has already met with Steelers general manager Omar Khan, along with other team representatives. It is unlikely that Sanders falls to No. 21 — Pittsburgh’s first selection — which means if the team wants him, a trade would be its best route.

Meanwhile, Sanders further fueled the speculation flames when asked to name his all-time NFL duos.

“Whoever is gonna be the quarterback for DK Metcalf and George Pickens,” Sanders responded. “Whoever that is.”

Pittsburgh has demonstrated an all-in level of commitment to making Rodgers its next quarterback, however, the team also made one thing clear ahead of draft night: Rodgers won’t play a factor in the organization’s draft plans. So regardless of whether the in-house indication is Rodgers is invested or not invested in joining the Steelers, the team has a plan.

Tomlin also opened up about his first impressions of Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

“There’s a toughness there that doesn’t get talked about enough,” Tomlin said Tuesday, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “There’s a competitive spirit there that doesn’t get talked about enough. I know he is very talented, and it’s made a lot of plays for university and his team, but the intangible qualities displayed on tape were impressive to me.”

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