The Pittsburgh Steelers will be one of the most talked about teams during the 2025 offseason, and that is mainly due to the organization's intriguing quarterback situation. The franchise is still looking for a long-term solution at the position, which it has been doing since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. There isn't a ton of optimism at the position moving forward, but the fan base could be reinvigorated if the front office decides to bring back Justin Fields over Russell Wilson. However, there is a world where neither quarterback is on the roster in 2025.
Team President Art Rooney II made it clear the organization intends to re-sign either Wilson or Fields, preferably to a multi-year deal. Despite that reassurance from Rooney, a lot can change over the course of an offseason in the NFL. Certain players can become available throughout the league, and that could completely change another organization's plans. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported in an article on Sunday morning that there is a scenario where Pittsburgh would let both Wilson and Fields walk, as long as a quality veteran quarterback is available.
"It’s possible another veteran quarterback becomes available that would entice the Steelers into moving on from both players. Otherwise, Pittsburgh is likely to have Wilson or Fields back on a short-term deal while also continuing to seek a long-term answer, potentially through the draft."
Based of Rapoport's reporting, it seems like the Steelers are still content signing either Fields or Wilson, but a name could become available that may make the franchise reconsider. The first name that comes to mind is Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams. There have been trade rumors surrounding the veteran ever since the Rams' season ended, but some in Los Angeles believe Stafford is content staying on the West Coast.
There are some other veteran quarterbacks Pittsburgh could take a swing at, but it is hard to imagine that any wouldn't cause an uprise from the fan base. Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets are expected to part ways during the 2025 offseason, but it is still unclear whether or not he plans to play in 2025. Rodgers and Head Coach Mike Tomlin have always liked one another, but Rodgers' best days are behind him. Bringing in a 40-year old quarterback would be the worst roster move in recent years.
Another name that could be on Pittsburgh's radar is Sam Darnold. Darnold is coming off of the best season of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, but it is hard to imagine what that organization will do after drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Darnold is slated to become a free agent, but he will be expensive and the journeyman quarterback only has one year of success under his belt.
Steelers Cannot Continue With The Constant Turnover At Quarterback Position
It is easy to get impatient in the NFL, but it is also important to make sure that certain things are given an adequate amount of time to flourish. Some may argue that Kenny Pickett never really had a chance in Pittsburgh because most of his starts came with Matt Canada calling the plays, but either way the Steelers traded him after just two seasons. Now the Steelers may be starting a fourth different quarterback in Week 1 in the last four seasons if they decide to go and add a different veteran quarterback.
This is not a winning formula, no matter who else is on the roster. This is something the Indianapolis Colts did, as they started Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan in three consecutive seasons. The Colts failed to make the playoffs once.
Pittsburgh is a historic franchise in the NFL, and the organization is too good to continue this constant turnover at the most important position in the sport.
