Quinn Ewers navigates uncertain waters as a draft gamble could be his fresh start

Quinn Ewers’ career is at a critical juncture. Once hailed as one of the brightest quarterback prospects for the NFL, his journey has been marked by high expectations and debatable decisions. One such decision—to return to college for another year instead of declaring for the 2024 Draft—has significantly altered how the league perceives him.

A household name in college football, Quinn Ewers earned his spot among the elite quarterback prospects. However, despite his evident on-field talent, injuries and other setbacks have cast a shadow over his once-promising future.

Quinn Ewers’ Current Situation

Quinn Ewers seemed poised to enter the 2024 NFL Draft but opted to stay another year with the Texas Longhorns. His decision came in the wake of a particularly competitive quarterback class, with six quarterbacks selected in the top 12 picks. While returning for an extra season seemed logical at the time, analysts now question whether it was the best move for his career.

Unfortunately, the 2024 season wasn’t favorable for Quinn Ewers. His performance stagnated, and his on-field impact declined. This slump was exacerbated by a history of injuries. In 2023, Ewers missed games due to an AC joint sprain, and in 2024, a new challenge emerged—a severe oblique injury in Week 3. This setback kept him off the field until Week 7, and upon his return, his performance was inconsistent and lackluster. Speculation suggests Ewers was still dealing with the effects of his injury.

Damage control or reality?

Whether Quinn Ewers was genuinely hampered by lingering injuries or simply unable to regain his top form remains unclear. Some analysts believe the narrative was a form of damage control to preserve his draft stock.

 

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Steve Palazzolo from Pro Football Focus voiced his thoughts on Quinn Ewers during his podcast Check the Mic. “There was a moment early in the year when I thought his trajectory was heading upward,” Palazzolo noted, referencing Week 2 against Michigan, prior to the injury. “Then he got hurt again and tried playing through it, but his game became much more inconsistent. He was never the same. Look, maybe he never would’ve made it even without the injury. Maybe he doesn’t progress. But that’s what I was keeping an eye on,” the analyst said.

A New Opportunity?

Despite critiques of Quinn Ewers’ game—especially regarding his physical limitations—there’s renewed interest in him. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has openly expressed the team’s consideration of drafting Ewers.

According to Essentially Sports, during the 2025 Annual League Meeting, Tomlin named three quarterbacks as potential NFL prospects, one of whom was Quinn Ewers. He revealed that the Steelers’ recent scouting trips included Texas, suggesting Ewers could be a mid-to-late-round pick.

Adding intrigue, rumors indicate the Steelers might sign free agent Aaron Rodgers on a short-term deal. If both scenarios align and Quinn Ewers lands in Pittsburgh, the young quarterback could benefit significantly. Learning from legends like Tomlin and Rodgers within a stable and successful franchise could provide the ideal environment for growth. Should the Steelers gamble on Ewers despite his injury history, both parties might find the risk well worth it.