The Quarterback They Let Slip Away: How Pittsburgh’s Pride Became Its Curse

In the silent hours after the 2025 NFL Draft, echoes of regret and “what ifs” linger in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers, widely reported to have shown interest in quarterback Jaxson Dart, passed on the Ole Miss star at pick No.21, opting instead for defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

Now, as Dart begins his NFL career with the Giants, the decision is already being framed as one of the most consequential miscalculations in team history.

Leading into the draft, Dart was viewed as a high-upside quarterback prospect — his name was reportedly on Pittsburgh’s radar.

Athlon Sports lists the Steelers among three teams that had expressed interest in him.

Pittsburgh insiders, including sports analysts, later confirmed they considered him seriously.

Yet, with pick 21 in hand, Pittsburgh reached in another direction.

When Roger Goodell called Derrick Harmon’s name, shock rippled through draft watchers: the organization had chosen to prioritize defense, not quarterback.

Harmon’s credentials are undeniable: a 6-4, 313-pound defensive tackle with 55 pressures in 2024 (ranking among the top interior defenders), strong measurables, and a high motor.

The Steelers’ brass defended the pick, citing defensive necessity and Harmon’s readiness to step in immediately.

Still, questions swirl: did Pittsburgh forsake the chance to secure a franchise quarterback — something they have long coveted — in favor of short-term reinforcement on the defensive front?

Meanwhile, across the league, Jaxson Dart is already making headlines.

After being traded to the Giants to land the No.25 pick, he’s showing flashes of the talent Pittsburgh bypassed.

Despite a minor hamstring issue, Dart is expected to play and lead New York’s offense.

In his second NFL start, he connected on back-to-back touchdown passes, electrifying Giants fans and feeding the narrative that Pittsburgh might have let a star slip through its fingers.

Giants insiders and media now talk of a “cultural shift” in the locker room, saying Dart’s energy and leadership are felt beyond stats.

If Dart continues to ascend, the optics will grow uglier for Pittsburgh: they passed not just on a player, but potential future greatness.

It’s not as though Derrick Harmon is a bad pick.

Early signs at Steelers camp have been positive: coaches and media are calling him a “monster” in practice; teammates see him “looking like a veteran already” in pass-rush drills.

He’s generating buzz.

Pittsburgh clearly views the defensive line as foundational.

The organization released long-time starter Larry Ogunjobi and signaled they expect Harmon to be a centerpiece of the front.

In a defense-first culture, that makes a lot of sense.

But the gamble is this: in a league where quarterbacks become franchises, is it wise to pass on one promising signal-caller for a defensive lineman — especially with no clear path to a solid QB?

Behind the pick’s cold analysis lies raw emotion.

Harmon’s draft night was bittersweet: his mother, Tiffany Saine, was reportedly on life support during the selection.

He called that emotional moment “bittersweet,” torn between elation and grief.

Now, Harmon is living a dream under enormous emotional weight.

He’s signed a four-year rookie contract worth roughly $17.95 million, joining a Steelers roster that demands excellence.

He must perform both as a tribute and as proof that Pittsburgh made the right call.

In hindsight, the decision will be judged by Dart’s trajectory and Harmon’s performance.

If Dart becomes an above-average starter, Pittsburgh’s passing will sting.

If Harmon dominates and the Steelers build a dominant defense, the pick may look wise.

But this is not just draft-day drama.

It’s a story of identity: franchises must choose whether to chase long-term quarterback brilliance or build incrementally.

Pittsburgh, for now, bet on defense.

That Sunday, every snap, every sack, every throw will carry echoes of that decision.

And if Dart becomes the franchise QB Pittsburgh never picked, this moment might be remembered as one of the costliest errors in recent Steelers lore.

The implications of this decision extend beyond the players involved.

The Steelers’ front office will face scrutiny regarding their draft strategy and their ability to identify and develop talent at the quarterback position.

The franchise has experienced a significant transition since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, and the pressure to find a new leader under center has never been greater.

As Pittsburgh fans watch Jaxson Dart flourish in New York, the narrative surrounding the Steelers’ choice will continue to evolve.

Each highlight reel of Dart’s play will serve as a reminder of the opportunity lost, while every success of Derrick Harmon will be measured against the backdrop of what could have been.

Ultimately, the Jaxson Dart fallout will serve as a cautionary tale for the Steelers and other franchises navigating the complex landscape of the NFL Draft.

The balance between immediate needs and long-term vision is delicate, and one misstep can alter the course of a franchise for years to come.

As the season unfolds, the Steelers will hope that Derrick Harmon proves to be the cornerstone they envisioned, while silently bracing for the possibility that Jaxson Dart becomes the star they let slip away.

In the world of professional football, where every decision is magnified, the stakes have never been higher.