The Pittsburgh Steelers are making waves in their quarterback search as they gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft. At LSU’s pro day on Monday, Mark Sadowski, the Steelers' Director of Player Scouting, had his eyes fixed on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. This young talent, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 200 pounds, is certainly capturing attention with his impressive stats and potential.
Garrett Nussmeier, the son of former Cowboys quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, brings a unique blend of skills to the table. His connection to Doug, who worked under Mike McCarthy in Dallas, might just give Pittsburgh an inside track on understanding his playing style and mindset.
Last season, despite battling a tough abdominal injury, Nussmeier showcased resilience, completing 67.4% of his passes for 1,927 yards, with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. His earlier performance as a starter was just as impressive, with over 4,000 passing yards and a solid passer rating of 142.7.
Projected to go in the second or third round of the draft, Nussmeier isn’t the only quarterback on Pittsburgh’s radar. The Steelers have also shown significant interest in Cole Payton from North Dakota State. After a strong showing at the Bisons’ pro day, Payton is set for a pre-draft visit with the Steelers, joining Miami’s Carson Beck in the list of prospects visiting the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, the Steelers' quarterback situation remains fluid, with veteran Aaron Rodgers yet to decide on his future with the team. Should Rodgers opt not to return, the Steelers might turn their attention to seasoned quarterback Kirk Cousins. Additionally, they could consider last year’s sixth-round pick, Will Howard, as a viable option.
As the draft approaches, the Steelers are clearly exploring all avenues to secure their quarterback of the future, balancing experienced veterans with promising young talent.