At least one unnamed NFL executive reportedly believes that the Pittsburgh Steelers could make Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe the 21st overall pick of the 2025 draft even if the club signs Aaron Rodgers before the night of April 24 rolls around.

During a recent appearance on “The Mina Kimes Show,” former quarterback and current football analyst Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports touched upon how Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could develop Milroe.

Analyst Addresses Jalen Milroe’s Potential Fit with Steelers Amid Aaron Rodgers Uncertainty

As the NFL season progresses, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a somewhat precarious position, particularly in the quarterback department. With the team’s future under center uncertain, analysts have begun to turn their attention to possible candidates who could help guide the Steelers back to playoff contention. One name that has emerged recently is Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. His dynamic skill set has caught the attention of many football experts, especially in light of ongoing speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future with the New York Jets and the Steelers’ long-term quarterback strategy.

The Aaron Rodgers Situation

Before diving into Jalen Milroe’s potential fit with the Steelers, it’s crucial to understand the backdrop of the current quarterback situation. Aaron Rodgers’ future with the New York Jets has been a hot topic for months. After his much-publicized move from Green Bay, there have been plenty of question marks surrounding how long Rodgers can remain at the top of his game, especially given his age and the challenges that come with a new team and new system.

Rodgers, at 40 years old, is clearly on the back nine of his career. There is no denying his Hall-of-Fame talent, but his physical decline, coupled with the rigors of a long and arduous NFL season, have raised concerns about his longevity. The Jets are eager to win now, and with Rodgers potentially not being the answer for many more years, they may be forced to look for the quarterback of the future sooner rather than later.

This is where the Steelers come into play. Pittsburgh is a franchise with a rich history of quarterback play, starting with the likes of Terry Bradshaw and moving to Ben Roethlisberger, who anchored the team for nearly two decades. The team has made the playoffs in each of the past few seasons, but questions remain about the franchise’s long-term answer at quarterback. Despite a solid roster, they have yet to find a stable and consistent leader under center since Roethlisberger’s retirement.

The uncertainty surrounding Rodgers and the potential for him to retire or transition into a lesser role raises the stakes for Pittsburgh as they eye potential quarterbacks in the upcoming drafts or through trades. While many names have been thrown into the mix, one intriguing option is Jalen Milroe.

Who is Jalen Milroe?

Jalen Milroe, currently the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has been one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football. Known for his athleticism and dual-threat capabilities, Milroe’s skill set is reminiscent of some of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 220 pounds, Milroe is a physical specimen who possesses the ability to stretch defenses with his legs while also having the arm strength to make all the necessary throws at the next level.

During his time at Alabama, Milroe has shown flashes of brilliance but also areas that need refinement. His running ability is arguably his best asset. He has a natural gift for evading pressure and turning broken plays into explosive runs, much like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts. At the same time, Milroe has proven capable of making big throws downfield and has shown significant potential as a pocket passer, although his consistency in this area still needs work.

Milroe’s mobility allows him to extend plays, and his powerful arm gives him the ability to make difficult throws in tight windows. However, like many young quarterbacks, his decision-making can be erratic at times. Still, his upside is undeniable, and many believe that with the right coaching and development, he could be a highly effective quarterback at the next level.

Jalen Milroe and the Steelers: A Potential Fit?

With Aaron Rodgers’ future uncertain and the Steelers continuing to search for their quarterback of the future, many analysts are beginning to consider Jalen Milroe as a potential fit in Pittsburgh. While it may seem like a stretch, there are several reasons why Milroe could be an excellent addition to the Steelers’ roster.

1. Dual-Threat Capabilities: One of the first things that stands out about Milroe is his ability to create offense with both his arm and his legs. The Steelers’ offense under offensive coordinator Matt Canada has struggled at times to consistently generate explosive plays, particularly in the passing game. Milroe’s mobility could bring an entirely new dimension to the offense, giving Pittsburgh the ability to mix in designed quarterback runs, read options, and bootlegs. These plays could open up more opportunities for the running game while also making it easier for wide receivers to get open in broken plays.
2. Pittsburgh’s Need for Youth: The Steelers have a young and talented roster but have struggled to find their quarterback of the future since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. Milroe, who would likely enter the league as a first-round or early second-round pick, would provide Pittsburgh with a chance to draft a high-upside quarterback who could develop over the course of a few seasons. Milroe would also provide an insurance policy in case the Steelers’ current quarterback situation, led by Kenny Pickett, does not pan out.
3. Coaching and Development: Pittsburgh has a long history of developing quarterbacks and has one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada, although under fire at times, has worked with a variety of quarterbacks and could likely help Milroe develop the necessary skills to thrive at the next level. The Steelers’ ability to develop young talent would give Milroe the best chance to succeed in his transition to the NFL.
4. Strong Defense and Running Game: One of the hallmarks of a successful rookie quarterback’s career is being surrounded by a solid supporting cast. The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cam Heyward, is one of the league’s best, and the offense has capable running backs in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Milroe would not be asked to carry the team on his back immediately, which could allow him to ease into the starting role and develop at a comfortable pace.
5. Potential to Learn from Rodgers: Although Milroe is not yet a member of the Steelers, there is a scenario where he could benefit from sitting behind an experienced quarterback like Aaron Rodgers. While Rodgers is likely not going to be in Pittsburgh, Milroe could still learn from seasoned veterans in Pittsburgh or similar quarterbacks who could offer mentorship and guidance. If the Steelers were to draft Milroe in the coming years, having veteran leadership in the locker room could go a long way toward helping him adjust to the professional game.

Conclusion

Jalen Milroe may not be the immediate answer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but given the uncertainty surrounding their long-term quarterback position and the potential for a post-Aaron Rodgers world in New York, Milroe’s upside could make him a valuable option. With his dual-threat capabilities, athleticism, and potential to develop into a strong pocket passer, Milroe could thrive in Pittsburgh’s system.

Whether the Steelers decide to take a chance on Milroe depends on many factors, including how their evaluation of current quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett unfolds. However, given Milroe’s potential and the Steelers’ ongoing search for a franchise quarterback, don’t be surprised if he emerges as a legitimate candidate to be the future of the Pittsburgh Steelers.