Steelers' Underwhelming Starting Quarterback Options If Aaron Rodgers And Russell Wilson Sign Elsewhere In NFL Free Agency

The NFL's new league year has officially started and the Pittsburgh Steelers still don't have a starting quarterback for 2025. The options have significantly diminished and things started to go in a negative direction when Justin Fields agreed to a legal tampering-period contract with the New York Jets. It seemed as if the final two candidates for the job would be Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, but the two veterans are garnering interest elsewhere. Rodgers end up joining the New York Giants or Minnesota Vikings while Wilson could receive offers from both the Giants and Cleveland Browns.

It is absolutely a possibility that the Steelers utterly botch the free-agency period when it comes to the most important position on the field. This would leave the team desperate. There won't be many options out there if both Rodgers and Fields end up elsewhere, but it would certainly be interesting to see if Pittsburgh elects to target a signal-caller via the trade market or 2025 NFL Draft. Here are some of the potential options.

1.) Kirk Cousins - Atlanta Falcons

Coming off of an Achilles tear that he suffered during the 2023 season, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a massive contract only to be shocked when the organization selected Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Cousins did not have a good first year with the Falcons, and was benched towards the end of the season.

There have been no indications that Cousins will be on the move, but the Steelers might be so desperate that they call the Falcons in an attempt to overpay for despite a disastrous contract situation. Mike Florio of NBC Sports recently detailed that Cousins being traded might be an option if the right situation arises.

"For now, the Falcons’ true intentions aren’t known," Florio wrote. "They’ve resisted cutting Cousins. They could trade him if they wait out the ongoing game of quarterback musical chairs, and if there’s a team that doesn’t like the other available options. (Cousins would also have to waive his no-trade clause.)"

According to Over The Cap, a post-June 1st trade designation would lead to Atlanta taking on $12.5 million in dead money, but $27.5 million in cap savings. It's not out of the realm of possibility, but he is technically due a $10 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the new league year, so a deal would have to transpire relatively quickly.

2.) A Young Quarterback That's Current Situation Is Less Than Ideal

In the NFL, signal-callers don't get much of a long-term chance to play a starting role if things go south early on. Some, however, have bounced backed after a rough start to their respective careers. The most recent example of this was Sam Darnold's play for the Vikings in 2024. Several names come to mind when thinking of options for Pittsburgh, all of which would have to be traded for.

Anthony Richardson may be on his way out after a less-than-impressive start to his career with the Indianapolis Colts. Additionally, individuals like Malik Willis, Joe Milton III or Will Levis could all be acquired for the right price. None of those names will jump out at anybody, but what decision do the Steelers really have if Rodgers and Wilson end up agreeing to play elsewhere? General Manager Omar Khan may have his hands full trying to rectify the situation.

3.) Target A Quarterback Early In 2025 NFL Draft

The incoming draft class is not expected to be a very impressive one, which is why many believed that the Steelers would wait to draft a signal-caller in the later rounds. If the two veteran options sign elsewhere and a trade does not commence, Khan may be forced to reach for a quarterback after signing a couple of career backups such as Mason Rudolph.

This wouldn't be an ideal situation and would come with heavy criticism. Pittsburgh has not had a consistent quarterback situation since the 2021 campaign ended, which is why it is shocking that it is the 2025 offseason and there are still more questions rather than answers. A name that will be linked to the Steelers in the next six weeks or so regardless of who is first on the depth chart will be Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss. 

Steelers Could End Up With A Disastrous Quarterback Situation In 2025

If one of the two in Rodgers and Wilson does not sign with Pittsburgh, there aren't many places for Khan and co to turn. Fans will be livid if training camp begins and there is a competition going on between someone like Rudolph or Gardner Minshew and a rookie that was drafted way higher than expected. Regardless of the outcome, it has been much more complicated for the Steelers to solve this puzzle than anyone originally anticipated.

What do you think the Steelers will do if neither Rodgers nor Wilson ends up signing with Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!

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