The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a pivotal quarterback crossroads as they currently have no starter locked in for 2025.
After steering the Steelers to an impressive 4-2 record through six starts last season, Justin Fields bolted for the New York Jets, securing a lucrative two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. Fields’ departure came after his benching for Russell Wilson, who had been sidelined with a calf injury during Fields’ hot start.
Wilson ultimately guided Pittsburgh to a playoff berth, but his campaign ended on a sour note with five consecutive losses, including a Wild Card round elimination at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. Now a free agent himself, Wilson remains in limbo waiting for suitors.
Meanwhile, speculation swirls around the black and gold potentially targeting future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, who’s coming off two tumultuous seasons with the Jets. Despite posting respectable numbers — 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns — Rodgers couldn’t elevate New York beyond a dismal 5-12 record.
Pittsburgh Steelers insider sounds alarm on potential Aaron Rodgers acquisition
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reports that while Rodgers “seems like the most likely marriage” for the Steelers, the move carries substantial risk. At 41, Rodgers brings not just his elite pedigree but also unnecessary drama to an organization known for stability.
“After vacationing in Egypt during mandatory minicamp last year, Rodgers was a shell of his former self in his first full season with the Jets,” DeFabo notes. “He appeared timid when it came time to throw downfield. Once a magician with mobility, buying time to create outside of structure, Rodgers transformed into a statue. As a result, he was one of the NFL’s worst QBs against the blitz, with a minus-0.20 EPA per dropback against five or more rushers. Only Anthony Richardson was worse.”
DeFabo warns that Pittsburgh’s front office could suffer the same fate as former Jets GM Joe Douglas, who was fired mid-season after going all-in on the Rodgers experiment.
“Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl’s best friend in the business is former Jets GM Joe Douglas, who once was seen as an up-and-coming builder after drafting the offensive (Garrett Wilson) and defensive (Sauce Gardner) rookies of the year in the same 2022 class. But because Douglas believed in Rodgers too much—and tried to surround the QB with his preferred players—he’s now without a job.
“The Steelers’ decision-makers are flirting with the same fate.”
The Jets’ 2024 meltdown didn’t stop with Douglas. Head coach Robert Saleh was shown the door after Week 5 following a loss to Minnesota that dropped New York to 2-3. They managed just three more victories after his departure.
DeFabo cautions that if Pittsburgh does pull the trigger on Rodgers, they must limit their commitment to a short-term arrangement as a bridge quarterback.
“But if they overcommit, they might be sentencing the franchise to its own darkness retreat,” he warns.
The Steelers have positioned themselves financially for a splash, trading for star wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and signing him to a five-year, $150 million deal. With $64.4 million in available cap space according to OverTheCap.com, Pittsburgh has the financial flexibility to make a move — but wisdom needs to guide their quarterback decision.
