This post was originally published on this site
One year ago the Steelers were searching for a starting quarterback. With no long-term answer at quarterback, the Steelers took a cautious approach, signing a pair of free-agent quarterbacks, veteran Russell Wilson and former first round pick, Justin Fields, each to a one-year “trial” deal. The hope was that at least one of them would emerge as a viable starter, providing enough stability to keep the team in contention.
At the start of the season, Fields got off to a promising 4-2 record, including an impressive three-game winning streak to kick off the schedule. With Wilson returning from injury, he took over as the team’s starter for the remainder of the season. The decision to stick with Wilson over Fields was met with mixed reactions when the team sunk into a five-game losing streak to close the season. Ultimately, while Pittsburgh remained competitive, the 2024 season played out as most expected for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Most fans were clamoring for the team’s first playoff victory in several years, but the Steelers fell short with a postseason appearance loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round. Now they may look to change their fortunes at the quarterback position once again.
As the NFL calendar flips towards a new league year and the start of free agency, the Steelers once again find themselves in need of a starting quarterback. With various avenues available to lock down a reliable signal caller, lets take a look at some potential options that the Steelers should consider.
Russell Wilson
One of the best options still available, as we enter the second day of “legal tampering” during free agency, is the same option the Steelers went with in 2024. Although the knock on Wilson is that he’s older – and not the long-term solution at the quarterback position – he’s a former Super Bowl winning quarterback with loads of experience.
With the Steelers recently adding one of Wilson’s favorite targets when he was the Seattle Seahawks, WR D.K. Metcalf, the two could connect again in Pittsburgh to light up the scoreboard.
Wilson also had a lot of success after taking over the starting job for the Steelers last season, winning six of his first seven games. Wilson’s presence could shift the Steelers’ Super Bowl odds significantly, making them one of the more attractive wagers on the best betting sites.
The team could do worse than sticking with the player they know, and one who already knows offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s playbook. If they move on from Wilson, there are a few more names available who could serve as a backup or bridge quarterback.
Jameis Winston
A former number one overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Jameis Winston has had an up-and-down career. Although he possesses undeniable arm talent and an ability to make explosive plays, his career has been marred by inconsistency, turnovers, and inefficiency. Since leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 9-7 record in his second season, Winston has struggled to find long-term success as a starter.
After spending last season with the Cleveland Browns, where he started seven games, Winston is once again searching for a new home. Statistically, Winston’s numbers leave much to be desired. His completion percentage ranked 34th in the league last season, and turnovers continue to be a glaring issue.
While Winston may not be the Steelers’ best option as a full-time starter, he could be a valuable addition to the quarterback room, especially if the team chooses to move forward with a rookie. Having a veteran like Winston as a backup or spot starter would provide some insurance in case of struggles or an injury. It also allows them to do the funniest thing ever and possibly matchup Cleveland’s former starter, Winston, with the Steelers former starter Kenny Pickett. (Who was traded to the Browns on Monday.)
Jacoby Brissett
Another veteran option for Pittsburgh is Jacoby Brissett. Although he may not be a game-changing quarterback, he is a reliable and steady presence who can keep the team competitive. At 6’4” and 235 pounds, Brissett possesses the size and strength to make the necessary throws while also being a physical presence in the pocket.
Brissett has built a reputation as a dependable quarterback who protects the ball well and limits mistakes. While he won’t single-handedly win games, he also won’t lose them for his team, a quality that head coach Mike Tomlin values. Brissett would also serve as a solid bridge quarterback while the Steelers evaluate their long-term options.
Jaxson Dart
In a quarterback draft class that doesn’t appear to be very deep, Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are projected to go within the top ten selections: far outside of the Steelers reach with the 21st selection. Following a strong showing at the combine, Ole Miss product Jaxson Dart has turned some heads and maybe forced his way into first-round conversations.
While Dart is not viewed as an elite prospect on the level of Ward or Shedeur, he possesses a unique blend of athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking ability that makes him an intriguing option for a team like Pittsburgh.
Dart has a similar skill set to Justin Fields, and head coach Mike Tomlin has stated on numerous occasions that he values mobility at the quarterback position. If the Steelers decide to draft Dart, they may opt to completely revamp their quarterback room by moving on from Wilson too. This could open the door for a veteran like Brissett or Winston to serve as a mentor while Dart develops into the starter.
Aaron Rodgers
Believe it or not, Aaron Rodgers may still have some gas left in the tank. At 41 years old, the future Hall of Famer remains one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in modern NFL history. While his best days are behind him, Rodgers still possesses the intelligence, experience, and leadership that could help a contending team like the Steelers.
There has been speculation that Rodgers might stay in New York, possibly even switching from the Jets to the Giants. However, if the Steelers are looking for a short-term solution, Rodgers could be an interesting fit.
While acquiring Rodgers would likely require some financial maneuvering, his presence could provide the Steelers with one last shot at making a deep playoff run before shifting their focus to a younger quarterback in the future. That being said, Rodgers’ injury history and recent inconsistencies raise concerns. Would Pittsburgh be willing to invest in an aging quarterback for a short-term fix? If the Steelers believe they are just a quarterback away from contending for a Super Bowl, then Rodgers could be worth the risk.
Several options the Steelers could look into at the quarterback position in 2025 appeared first on Steel City Underground.