The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait patiently for free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to commit to the franchise, but other viable options exist.
The rest of the cupboard at the position in free agency is relatively bare, with players like Carson Wentz and Ryan Tannehill -- the latter of whom wasn't on a roster for even one week in 2024 -- remaining as the most recognizable names.
A couple of other signal callers are likely to come available as training camps begin and quarterback hierarchies develop. For instance, either Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett of the Cleveland Browns could end up on the trade block before August is out.
However, there will potentially be a splashier option on the table at some point this summer -- former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts.
Richardson, who is heading into the third season, is embroiled in a battle with Daniel Jones for the starting job in Indianapolis. Richardson has not played up to his draft position across two years in the NFL, finding himself benched in favor of Flacco for a brief time last season after injury cut his rookie campaign short.
That said, the 23-year-old is a strong and fast rusher of the football and also comes equipped with one of the biggest arms in the league. His skill set renders him something of a Justin Fields type of player with a potentially higher ceiling, making Richardson the kind of player with whom Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith should certainly be able to work.
Even if Pittsburgh ends up signing Rodgers to a one- or two-year contract, Richardson makes sense as a trade option if the team can get him for something like a third- or fourth-round pick. Should Jones win the starting job with the Colts during the preseason, or should Indianapolis decide to bench Richardson in favor of Jones at some point during the year, that will likely indicate that his future with the franchise is over.
At that point, there should be some legitimate interest in Richardson given his age and unteachable talents. He has two years remaining on his $34 million rookie deal, and whichever team holds Richardson's rights next summer will be able to exercise a fifth-year option for 2027.
