The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2026 season with familiar uncertainty under center. While the hope is that Aaron Rodgers will eventually sign, last season taught us to temper expectations for what he can bring to the offense. Since the retirement of franchise icon Ben Roethlisberger, the team has been applying short-term fixes at quarterback without a clear, long-term vision.

One strategic shift the Steelers should seriously consider is embracing a more athletic profile at the position. Aside from the brief and unsuccessful Justin Fields experiment, the post-Big Ben era has been defined by quarterbacks who lack a legitimate dual-threat capability. Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, we've identified four dynamic, dual-threat prospects who could be worth a gamble to finally break that mold.

First up is North Dakota State's Cole Payton. Don't mistake him for a mere runner; Payton is a bona fide passer who threw for 2,719 yards in 2025. With a weapon like wide receiver Bryce Lance—a potential Top 50 pick—by his side, Payton's game evokes comparisons to a young Josh Allen during his days at Wyoming, blending raw power with developing pocket prowess.

The title of the draft's most athletic quarterback belongs to Arkansas's Taylen Green. Boasting elite speed, agility, and excellent vision as a runner, Green has shown promising development as a passer. His growth in moving with purpose, keeping his eyes downfield, and looking to throw first is exactly the kind of progression NFL coaches can build upon, making him a fascinating project with a high ceiling.

Then there's Cade Klubnik. As dismal as his 2025 season was, his 2024 campaign was equally impressive, showcasing the talent that made him a top recruit. He remains a highly underrated athlete with legitimate mobility. For a team confident in its ability to restore his 2024 form, selecting Klubnik on Day Three of the draft represents a classic low-risk, high-reward scenario.

The ultimate long shot in this group is Haynes King. After a nightmare stint at Texas A&M, King revitalized his career at Georgia Tech, showing significant improvement. He's a sneaky-fast playmaker despite a sturdy build, though his passing mechanics remain a work in progress. As a likely undrafted free agent, he presents a no-risk project for a team willing to invest in development.