Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are running out of options in free agency by focusing all their energy on Aaron Rodgers. Therefore, if they don’t finalize that deal, the situation could become very complicated.
Currently, the Steelers have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the roster, but according to the plans of general manager Omar Khan, the QB1 position is still vacant, and his wish is for it to be Rodgers.
However, the big question is what happens if the former Super Bowl champion rejects them. The 2025 draft isn’t very deep, and with trades like DK Metcalf, the team seems focused on winning now rather than waiting for a rebuilding process.
Who will be Steelers’ starting quarterback?
The Steelers want Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback, but if the veteran doesn’t sign with Pittsburgh, Mason Rudolph could serve as the bridge quarterback. The former Oklahoma State prospect fits perfectly with the team, as he has already been with them for six years.
In addition, several reports indicate that the Steelers are determined to draft a quarterback in 2025 or 2026. Therefore, Rudolph or Rodgers would only be temporary solutions, as the team’s big bet is to find Ben Roethlisberger’s successor through the draft in the next two years.
In 2025, there has been a lot of talk about interest in Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe. The problem is that Dart doesn’t seem likely to fall to the No. 21 spot, and Milroe is considered a third-round talent. However, the 2026 class looks much deeper and could be a better option for the Steelers.
Other options still available on the market are Carson Wentz, Russell Wilson, or Joe Flacco. In the case of Wilson, his return to Pittsburgh is not ruled out, although many insiders suggest that it will depend on how his relationship with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has evolved.