The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most well-respected organizations in all of sports, and the historical franchise has a certain way of going about its business. The Steelers will always do what is best for the organization, which is why they are one of the most successful franchises in all of sports. The team had an important decision to make when the 2025 offseason came around, and that was who the starting quarterback was going to be moving forward. That issue is still unresolved, and the organization may be in a tough spot based off of how it has played its hand.
Team President Art Rooney II came out after the 2024 season ended and he told the media that Pittsburgh wanted to move forward with either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields as the starting quarterback. Both players were slated to become free agents, and it became clear that the organization was more focused on re-signing Fields. Fields wound up testing his market and signing elsewhere, and the Steelers took swings at several other quarterbacks.
Insider Mike DeFabo recently appeared on The Bettor Angle, and the reporter shared that the Steelers may be out of luck at quarterback if Aaron Rodgers decides to go elsewhere.
"The risk that the Steelers run in not making a decision is, assuming Aaron Rodgers does not pick the Steelers, if Russell Wilson becomes disenfranchised by the whole process and signs with someone like the New York Giants." DeFabo said. "Then the Steelers may be left in this game of musical chairs without a place to sit."
After the season ended it seemed like it would either be Fields or Wilson as the starter in 2025. The organization preferred Fields, but then also took a swing at Sam Darnold, Matthew Stafford, and are currently in the mix for Rodgers. It would be completely understandable if Wilson wanted nothing to do with the franchise moving forward after realistically being the fifth option in Pittsburgh.
The majority of the fan base did not want Wilson back for the 2025 season, but if Rodgers goes elsewhere Wilson becomes the best available option. Mason Rudolph is no starting quarterback despite the magic he brought to Pittsburgh to end the 2023 season, and the Steelers aren't in position to draft a high-level quarterback. Pittsburgh could be back in a spot at some point during the 2025 offseason where Wilson is a desirable candidate to be the starter, but the quarterback would likely choose to go elsewhere.
The worst case scenario for the Steelers is if Rodgers decides to retire, or a new team comes out of nowhere to sign him. Both Rodgers and Wilson are in play for the New York Giants, so if Rodgers pick to go somewhere else and the Giants' job is still available for Wilson, Pittsburgh would be in trouble. This wouldn't be an issue if the organization was up front with Wilson from the start, but it strung him along to the point where he would probably want to go somewhere else.
Steelers Have A Serious Chance Of Starting Mason Rudolph In 2025
Pittsburgh is relying on Rodgers to eventually sign with the Steelers. He spent a decent amount of time at the team's facility on Friday, but it is no guarantee that he ends up wearing the black and gold. He could drag this saga out as long as he wants, and he could still decide to hang up the cleats for good.
Rudolph was signed as the ultimate backup plan. He spent one season with the Tennessee Titans in 2024 after putting on some good tape with the Steelers in 2023. He came in and helped the organization win the final three games of the regular season, and ultimately clinched a playoff spot for Pittsburgh. The quarterback is a decent backup, but if the Steelers are relying on him to start, the organization is in trouble.
