Aaron Rodgers has been the biggest name in NFL free agency this offseason, with Mike Tomlin waiting as long as necessary for the 41-year-old. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers may have a plan B in case Rodgers turns them down, with all eyes on a quarterback who spent time with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes‘ Kansas City Chiefs.
During a recent appearance on on 93.7 The Fan, veteran reporter Ed Bouchette claimed that Carson Wentz might be a realistic target for the Steelers, especially if Tomlin doesn’t get to convince Rodgers.
“I could see them signing a guy like Carson Wentz to be the backup,” Bouchette said, via Steeler Nation. “Go with those three guys – Howard, Rudolph, and Wentz and just muddle through this year. Regroup, and see what you can do next year for a quarterback.”
Wentz’s short experience as Mahomes’ backup on Reid’s Chiefs
Wentz, 32, spent the 2024 NFL season as Mahomes’ backup on the Chiefs. He made one start in Week 18, when Reid decided to rest his starters as Kansas City had nothing to play for after clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Patrick Mahomes #15 and Carson Wentz #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs look on during a practice ahead of Super Bowl LIX at Tulane University’s Yulman Stadium on February 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
That game ended in a brutal 38-0 loss for the Chiefs, but Wentz didn’t make big mistakes. With 10 completions in 17 passes, the veteran quarterback went for 98 yards with no touchdowns but also finished the game with zero turnovers.
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Either way, his tenure in Kansas City ended when his one-year deal expired in March. Reid will count on Gardner Minshew as Mahomes‘ backup this year, whereas Wentz is still looking for a new home. Will it be Pittsburgh?
Tomlin, Steelers could need Wentz
The Steelers have been keeping an open spot for Rodgers, and while the word around the NFL is that it’s only a matter of when, and not if that he joins Tomlin and company, the long wait makes many wonder whether this will ultimately materialize.
With that in mind, Wentz emerges as a possible alternative to strengthen the QB room. Of course, this would be a significant change for fans after months expecting Rodgers. However, it could make sense if A-Rod doesn’t come to town.
Tomlin already got some insurance by bringing back Mason Rudolph at the start of free agency, adding a younger prospect for the long term by drafting Will Howard in April. The third QB under contract is Skylar Thompson, who gained experience as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup on the Miami Dolphins.
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In the event Wentz arrives, he would add more experience to the QB room and would also have a legitimate chance to compete for the starting job. Of course, it wasn’t the Steelers‘ main plan this offseason, but Rodgers’ silence has forced them to keep their options wide open.
