NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce Snubs Aaron Rodgers, Picks 151-TD QB as Steelers’ Future ‘Franchise Quarterback’

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During a discussion on Fox Sports’s Speak, NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce offered his opinion on which quarterback the Pittsburgh Steelers should target to address the position.

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Paul Pierce Endorses Shedeur Sanders to the Steelers

The panel—consisting of Pierce, Joy Taylor and former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson—discussed whether Aaron Rodgers or Shedeur Sanders would be a better fit for the Steelers’ quarterback vacancy.

“I mean, at this point, if Aaron Rodgers can’t make a decision with the only team left that could actually use him more than anybody—and you still haven’t made a decision?” wondered Pierce.

“Right now, everybody in Pittsburgh is holding their breath. I have to go with Shedeur. You get a fresh start with a fresh quarterback. And then you can say we finally have our quarterback for the future.”

Pierce reminded the audience that the Steelers haven’t had a franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired, and said Sanders has the opportunity to develop into a long-term starter in Pittsburgh.

“I truly believe that this kid is going to be a franchise quarterback,” said Pierce. “I truly believe he can make a difference in Pittsburgh under Mike Tomlin. They got some veteran wide receivers, guys that he can throw to. The vibes would be great to have Shedeur there in Pittsburgh.”

Johnson argued that the Steelers already have the pieces in place to compete for a Super Bowl, and said they should chase a championship with Rodgers rather than dedicate the season to developing a rookie quarterback.

“I think it would be great vibes if they can have their cake and eat it too,” said Johnson. “Sign Aaron Rodgers and figure out how to draft Shedeur. He comes in and slides in as the No. 2 guy, and eventually, Aaron Rodgers hands him the key to the car.”

Taylor and Pierce pushed back on the notion that the Steelers would be legitimate contenders with Rodgers, scoffing at the idea of Rodgers winning a Super Bowl in Pittsburgh. They agreed that the best move for the Steelers is to embrace a new era and pursue Sanders in hopes he becomes their franchise quarterback.

Is Landing Shedeur Sanders a Realistic Option for Pittsburgh?

Sanders was initially projected as a surefire top-five pick, but with reports of the quarterback-needy Cleveland Browns and New York Giants zeroing in on Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter at picks two and three, respectively, Sanders’ stock appears to be falling slightly.

The New Orleans Saints are a real option at No. 9, especially after news broke of Derek Carr’s shoulder injury that could sideline him for the entire 2025 season.

If Sanders escapes New Orleans, he’ll likely make it to Pittsburgh—unless a surprise team trades up ahead of them. The Browns and Giants both pick at the top of Round 2 and could have the ammo to make a blockbuster move back into Round 1 if Sanders starts to fall.

The Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts are the only other teams ahead of Pittsburgh that could feasibly have interest in targeting Sanders as a developmental player and insurance option. But both teams would be better suited spending their first-round pick on an immediate starter.

While Sanders would certainly like to hear his name called sooner than No. 21 overall, he and the Steelers appear to have mutual interest based on a recent prospect visit—and Sanders could become the face of one of the most well-run organizations in the NFL.

“It was a 10,” Sanders told Up and Adams host Kay Adams about his visit with the Steelers. He went on to praise head coach Mike Tomlin and the winning culture the franchise has become synonymous with.

Sanders may slip further than initially expected in the 2025 NFL Draft, but falling into the hands of one of the league’s most prestigious organizations would be quite the consolation prize.

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