The Pittsburgh Steelers had big plans this offseason after losing their final five games of 2024, including their lone playoff matchup. With no starting quarterback under contract for 2025, the Steelers had no choice but to be proactive, keeping all their options open this offseason.
Unfortunately, one of their perceived top targets, Justin Fields, has already signed a two-year contract worth up to $40 million with the New York Jets. Now the Steelers are reportedly targeting the man he replaced.
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Pittsburgh Steelers chasing Aaron Rodgers, but Russell Wilson’s return is possible
The Pittsburgh Steelers have to do something soon at the quarterback position, before all the best options are off the table. Right now, many would agree the best quarterback available is four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who’s expected to be released by the New York Jets on Wednesday when the new league year officially begins.
While Rodgers cannot technically sign a new contract with a different team until his release is processed, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette‘s Gerry Dulac, the veteran QB is already negotiating with the Steelers. Yet, that doesn’t mean Russell Wilson couldn’t still return as the Steelers’ starter next season.
“It’s possible Russell Wilson could return to the Steelers if ongoing discussions with Aaron Rodgers fail to result in a financial agreement, per multiple sources.”
Gerry Dulac on Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB plans
At this point, the Steelers appear to prefer a partnership with Rodgers over a reunion with Wilson. This is a notable difference, considering Rodgers is 41 and led the Jets to a 5-12 record, whereas Wilson is 36 and led the Steelers to a 6-5 record in 2024.
Yet, instead of picking the ‘devil’ they know, the Steelers would rather take a chance on a future Hall of Famer leading to better postseason results. When put that way, it’s hard to blame Pittsburgh’s decision-makers.
