As the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ season was coming to a close, it appeared they’d be deciding between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as their starting quarterback in 2025. They seemed to prefer Fields, but he’s already off the board after signing a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets.
Wilson, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, is still available. He’s even taken a rare free agency visit to the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. Yet, the Steelers have already made a quarterback move this offseason too.
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Who should the Pittsburgh Steelers draft in the first round?
Pittsburgh Steelers prepared to move forward with Mason Rudolph
While everyone was waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to reunite with Mason Rudolph instead. Rudolph inked a two-year, $8 million contract.
While that’s an affordable rate, it’s nowhere near starter money. If anything, Rudolph’s contract is a strong indication that he’ll be a backup quarterback in 2025. Yet, that was everyone’s assumption when he signed.
However, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Steelers are “comfortable” moving forward with Rudolph as their starting quarterback next season.
If the Steelers do indeed move on without Rodgers or re-signing Russell Wilson, it could be a stronger indication that they’re heavily considering drafting a quarterback too. Whether that’s someone like Shedeur Sanders in the first round or finding a different solution in the second round or later on remains to be seen.
But first, the Steelers are still awaiting Rodgers’ decision, just as the New York Giants are.
