Steelers Linked to CJ Carr in 2027 Mock Draft

Steelers’ Quarterback Challenge

The franchise’s quarterback future after Aaron Rodgers has become the hottest topic in Pittsburgh. Rodgers is on his final season with the Steelers, and his replacement may not even be on the current roster. Meanwhile, the team’s front office is already looking at ways to address the position.

A new mock draft from Tankathon paints a bleak picture for Pittsburgh in 2026. The projection says the Steelers will finish among the NFL’s worst clubs that year, landing the ninth overall pick. In that scenario, they would select Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, giving the organization a potential long‑term answer.

Tankathon’s Dire Projection and the No. 9 Pick

Tankathon’s model places the Steelers well down the standings for the 2026 season, earning them the 9th selection in the following year’s draft. Such a high pick is rare for a franchise that typically drafts in the middle of the first round. The mock draft links the Steelers directly to Carr, signaling a shift in their rebuilding strategy.

Carr, a 6 ft 3 in, 210‑lb quarterback, arrives at the start of the 2026 campaign as one of the most intriguing options in a deep quarterback class. Some evaluators rank him just behind Dante Moore and Arch Manning, while others place him near the back end of the top‑10 quarterbacks. He has not formally declared for the 2027 NFL Draft, but his eligibility makes him a premier underclassman.

CJ Carr’s Rising Draft Stock

Scouts have praised Carr’s mechanics, poise, and pocket awareness, creating genuine first‑round buzz around his candidacy. He spent his rookie season as Notre Dame’s starting signal‑caller, throwing for 2,741 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. Another productive year would help teams believe that those numbers were the start of a franchise‑quarterback resume.

Because his sample size is limited, a strong 2026 showing will carry far more weight than any early mock draft. If Carr decides to declare after the 2026 season, the Steelers would be evaluating a potential top‑10 talent with only two seasons of starting experience. His redshirt‑sophomore status adds intrigue, as many teams value the development curve of a younger quarterback.

Impact on Pittsburgh’s Backfield

Rodgers’ impending departure leaves a void that the Steelers must fill, and the current depth on the roster offers little certainty. Will Howard and Drew Allar provide developmental promise, but neither has secured a clear path to being the starter. As a result, the Steelers may need to enter the quarterback market sooner rather than later.

The 2027 quarterback class is expected to be robust, giving Pittsburgh flexibility whether they pick ninth or land a more favorable spot. Carr’s 2026 tape will be the defining factor, outweighing speculative mock drafts that already feature him in a Steelers uniform.

What It Means Going Forward

A strong 2027 quarterback group could give the Steelers multiple avenues to address the position, regardless of where they land in the draft. If the franchise decides to keep Rodgers for one more season, the focus will shift to evaluating internal options and external talent. Ultimately, the success of this offseason will hinge on the quarterback’s performance in 2026 and how the Steelers adapt their draft strategy accordingly.