Steelers' Quarterback Saga Continues: Insight from Former Employee

A CBS Sports analyst sheds light on the team's reluctance to repeat past draft mistakes.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field, with players and the ball broken down into overlapping shapes and planes, conveying the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' quarterback situation.The Steelers' quarterback saga continues, with the team's past draft decisions casting a long shadow over their future.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback drafting decisions have been a point of fascination for fans, and a recent insight from CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala has provided an intriguing perspective. In a conversation with 93.7 The Fan, Kinkhabwala alluded to the team's reluctance to make the same mistake they made in 1983 when they passed on Dan Marino and selected Gabe Rivera instead. This comment, made by a former Steelers employee, offers a glimpse into the organization's cautious approach to drafting quarterbacks.

Why it matters

The Marino-Rivera comparison serves as a stark reminder of the Steelers' past draft blunders. By passing on Marino, a hometown hero, and selecting Rivera, whose career was cut short due to a drunk driving accident, the team faced a tragic outcome. This historical context has influenced the Steelers' decision-making process, particularly when they drafted Kenny Pickett in 2022. However, Kinkhabwala argues that Pickett was set up for failure due to the organizational structure and personnel around him.

The details

Kinkhabwala's comments suggest that the Steelers' approach to drafting quarterbacks is a delicate balance between learning from history and making informed choices. The team's reluctance to repeat the Marino-Rivera mistake has shaped their decision-making, but Kinkhabwala believes that Pickett's journey since leaving Pittsburgh has been uninspiring, and the Steelers are still searching for their long-term solution at the quarterback position.

  • In 1983, the Steelers passed on Dan Marino and selected Gabe Rivera instead.
  • In 2022, the Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett.

The players

Dan Marino

A Hall of Fame quarterback who was passed over by the Steelers in the 1983 NFL Draft.

Gabe Rivera

A defensive tackle selected by the Steelers in the 1983 NFL Draft, whose career was cut short due to a drunk driving accident.

Kenny Pickett

The quarterback drafted by the Steelers in 2022, who has faced challenges since joining the team.

Matt Canada

The Steelers' offensive coordinator, who was a poor fit for Pickett according to Kinkhabwala.

Aditi Kinkhabwala

A CBS Sports analyst who provided the insight into the Steelers' quarterback drafting decisions.

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What they’re saying

“This comment, made by a former Steelers employee, highlights the organization's cautious approach to drafting quarterbacks.”

— Aditi Kinkhabwala, CBS Sports Analyst

“Kinkhabwala argues that Pickett was set up for failure due to the organizational structure and personnel around him.”

— Aditi Kinkhabwala, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

With the 21st pick in the upcoming 2026 draft, the Steelers may opt for a different strategy, potentially looking at later rounds for a more suitable quarterback candidate.

The takeaway

The Steelers' approach to drafting quarterbacks is a delicate balance between learning from history and making informed choices. While sentimentality and regional ties can play a role, the ultimate decision should be based on talent and fit within the team's system. The Steelers need to approach this draft with a fresh perspective, learning from their past experiences and making a strategic choice that sets them up for success in the long run.