Steelers’ Last Shot? UFL Breakout Stars Like Bryce Perkins and Anthony Hines III Could Be Pittsburgh’s Draft-Day Lifeline Amid Rodgers Uncertainty
As the dust settles from the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves staring down a familiar dilemma—depth concerns at key positions and no concrete answer under center. While fans and analysts alike continue to speculate about the future of Aaron Rodgers and his potential fit in the Steel City, the organization may be forced to explore unorthodox alternatives to fill remaining roster gaps. And that spotlight now shifts to the United Football League (UFL).
Despite Pittsburgh’s historically conservative approach to roster building, general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin have shown a willingness to mine talent from spring football leagues in recent years. With several standout UFL performers making noise this season, the door is open for a new wave of impact players to step in—and potentially save the Steelers’ 2025 campaign.
Bryce Perkins: The QB Contingency Plan
The biggest headline surrounding the Steelers remains the Aaron Rodgers saga. While the team has reportedly been in contact with the veteran quarterback, his hesitation to commit has created a sense of limbo within the organization. Should Rodgers ultimately decide against joining Pittsburgh, the Steelers may need to look to the UFL’s brightest signal caller—Bryce Perkins of the Michigan Panthers.
Perkins is in the midst of an MVP-caliber season, and his Week 5 performance turned heads. He completed 21-of-25 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his efficiency, poise, and mobility. While the Panthers fell short in a tightly contested matchup, Perkins’ dynamic playmaking ability left scouts buzzing.
For the Steelers, who currently lack depth and future certainty at quarterback, Perkins could provide both competition and upside. With Rodgers’ decision still hanging in the balance, adding a high-ceiling talent like Perkins would be a smart insurance move and a potentially exciting storyline heading into training camp.
“Perkins may not be a Day 1 starter in the NFL, but he’s got the tools to push for a roster spot and keep a team competitive if called upon,” said one anonymous AFC scout. “Pittsburgh would be a great fit.”
Anthony Hines III: The Disruptor Pittsburgh Needs
While quarterback questions loom large, the Steelers also face uncertainty at inside linebacker. Though seventh-round pick Carson Bruener adds depth, concerns persist regarding Mark Robinson’s development and Cole Holcomb’s return from injury.
Enter Anthony Hines III, the D.C. Defenders linebacker who had a monster Week 5 outing, tallying 11 tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss. Hines was a force all over the field, consistently blowing up plays and bringing relentless energy to a struggling defensive unit.
A former Texas A&M standout, Hines has always had the athletic tools to compete at the highest level. With the Steelers’ linebacker corps lacking certainty, Hines represents a high-upside, low-risk pickup who could challenge for playing time and bring much-needed juice to the middle of the defense.
Jordan Ta’amu: A Dual-Threat Backup Worth the Bet
Should Pittsburgh double down on quarterback reinforcements, another intriguing option is D.C. Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. Known for his dual-threat capability and smart decision-making, Ta’amu has been one of the most consistent performers in the UFL over the past two seasons.
With experience in multiple offensive systems and a reputation for leadership, Ta’amu could step in as a reliable backup, pushing the team’s QB2 or QB3 options while providing a more mobile look if needed. He wouldn’t cost much, but his presence would raise the floor of the quarterback room.
A Play Worth Making?
While dipping into the UFL talent pool may not excite every fan, the Steelers have quietly built a reputation for savvy depth moves, and they’ve reaped benefits from spring football before. With training camp approaching and several questions still lingering, UFL stars like Bryce Perkins, Anthony Hines III, and Jordan Ta’amu could prove to be the kind of late-offseason lifelines that reshape rosters—and seasons.
Whether Rodgers signs or not, Pittsburgh cannot afford to be idle. And if the front office plays its cards right, the UFL may once again deliver more than just highlight reels—it might provide the steel needed to reinforce Pittsburgh’s next playoff push.
