The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a holding pattern with their quarterback position. The New York Jets cut quarterback Aaron Rodgers after only two seasons, and he quickly rose to the most wanted list for multiple teams, including the Steelers and the New York Giants. The Minnesota Vikings are also contemplating throwing their hat in the ring, and some insiders have suggested that the four-time MVP might like that situation best, despite having JJ McCarthy looking over his shoulder. The question is, where does all of this leave Russell Wilson?
Wilson helped the Steelers get 2024 off to a strong start. They were 10-3 after Week 14, and despite losing their final four regular season games, they secured a Wild Card spot in the playoffs, only to lose. The frustration began with Head Coach Mike Tomlin and some fans suggested a scorch earth-type rebuild.
Fans are solidly divided. Many feel that Rodgers brings unnecessary drama to a team trying to get away from dramatic players. However, others point out that many initially felt that way about Wilson and that those fears were mostly unfounded. Wilson seemed to be a consummate professional during his time in the Steel City. He gave back to the city, participating in numerous charity events. He was humble and seemed to try to support players like George Pickens, who struggled at times. Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show joined The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan and said that perhaps the team needs Rodgers' directness over Wilson's chronic optimism.
"But to play devil's advocate, do you need somebody to come in and hold some people accountable," said Kaboly. "Who's the leader on the offense right now? Who's the guy you look to? There isn't any. I mean, last year, you knew darn well you could do anything you wanted, and Russell Wilson would have, and God love him, put a positive spin on it. Now, if so and so's acting up and isn't doing his job, and old number 12 or number 8, or whatever number he is, points him out. Maybe you need that. Pointing him out might not be a bad thing."
Since Ben Roethlisberger retired, the offense has lacked leadership and direction. They are on their second offensive coordinator and have been through six quarterbacks in four years. Show co-host Adam Crowley is concerned that Rodgers will make the Steelers a "national embarrassment" the way he feels he did with the Jets. He said Rodgers was calling out teammates and coaches, and possibly even had his head coach fired.
Crowley's co-host, Dorin Dickerson, disagrees; he feels Pittsburgh's culture is different. Rodgers would know he wouldn't be able to come in here and have Tomlin fired, but he also wouldn't be afraid to call his teammates out.
Steelers Need A Fresh Start
Kaboly said the hard part is both Rodgers and Wilson are inconsistent on the field. However, he feels that Rodgers has shown he has more left in his arm than Wilson. If the Steelers know what they can get from Wilson, why wouldn't they want to try something new?
They agreed that if you are going with an aging quarterback who wants one last hurrah, Rodgers makes a lot of sense. They also believe the Steelers give Rodgers the best shot at another Super Bowl in 2025. While it is true the Vikings have built up their trenches significantly and have major playmakers on their offense, they want to see McCarthy get out there and start. The reality is Rodgers could find himself as a backup on that team.
In Pittsburgh, he would not only be starting, but looking at keeping that starting job for two seasons. If the Steelers seek to draft a quarterback in 2026, who better to watch and learn from than Rodgers?
