The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot to consider when it comes to the quarterback position throughout the 2025 offseason. The organization will have plenty of options in finding its next starting quarterback, with two of those options being Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The franchise can also consider some veteran options in free agency or the trade market, while also doing its due diligence with some of the prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. It is likely the Steelers will re-sign either Wilson or Fields, but some other intriguing names are expected to be available to Pittsburgh.
One name that will spark some debate is Aaron Rodgers. He had a rocky season with the New York Jets in 2024, and the organization informed the veteran ahead of Super Bowl LIX of their intentions to part ways with the quarterback. He is expected to be released with a post June 1st designation, which would allow him to sign elsewhere during free agency. Rodgers is no longer the player he once was, and it is hard to imagine any fans would be happy about the quarterback signing in Pittsburgh.
Steelers safety DeShon Elliott made his feelings known by commenting on an Instagram post speculating the move.
"Leave his a** at the retirement home," Elliott wrote.
It is safe to say that Elliott has no interest in Rodgers becoming the next quarterback of the Steelers, and he probably shares the same sentiment as a large portion of the fan base. Rodgers was traded to the Jets ahead of the 2023 season, and the experiment was an utter failure. The quarterback tore his Achilles tendon during the Jets' first game of the 2023 season, and he returned in 2024, but did not perform well.
Rodgers had plenty of weapons while in New York. Garrett Wilson is a blossoming star at wide receiver, the organization traded for his favorite target in Davante Adams, and Breece Hall was supposed to be one of the best running backs in the league. For whatever reason, it did not work out, but if Rodgers couldn't succeed with those weapons, it is hard to imagine it will go any different in Pittsburgh.
The veteran quarterback will be turning 42 years old in the middle of the 2025 season, and there is still a chance he announces his retirement before the season kicks off. Rodgers threw for just under 4,000 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2024. His old age and recent injury history makes it hard for him to move around, which is something Wilson struggled with in 2024 as well. Pittsburgh's offense struggled to stay on the field if Wilson was forced to use his legs, and that problem would likely continue with Rodgers running the offense.
Elliott has been known to speak his mind on social media, and it is safe to assume a lot of his teammates probably feel the same way about the potential move for Pittsburgh.
Steelers Have Plenty Of Options Outside Of Aaron Rodgers
While Wilson and Fields are both in-house options that would probably be better than Rodgers, there are plenty of other avenues for the organization to explore before signing the 41 year old. Matthew Stafford could be available via trade if the Los Angeles Rams decide to go in a different direction, and that could open up the possibility of acquiring Cooper Kupp as well. Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons are expected to part ways, although that would be an option that is eerily similar to signing Rodgers.
Aside from players currently in the NFL, the Steelers could luck out in the NFL Draft. This draft class has been condemned for the quality of quarterbacks that will be available, but Pittsburgh should be able to find some value on Day 2 or Day 3 of the event.
