Breer: Steelers' Future Now In "Murky Territory" With Decision On Russell Wilson And Aaron Rodgers Looming

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2025 NFL offseason with plenty of question marks. The NFL's free agency period has barely started, yet the quarterback landscape is already changing dramatically. With numerous predictions and theories circulating, fans are left wondering who will lead the team this upcoming season. The recent announcement of Justin Fields agreeing to a new deal with the New York Jets has left Russell Wilson in the possible starting quarterback position on Pittsburgh's roster. Despite this, many fans remain unconvinced, wanting the team to pursue alternative options. These feelings are amplified by the rapid pace of the early stages of free agency, where top talent is being snatched up. Last season, Wilson recorded a career-low 2,482 passing yards, alongside 16 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 63.7% completion percentage, raising concerns about long-term stability for the team. 

Aaron Rodgers has emerged as a leading candidate for the Steelers' coveted starting quarterback position, followed by a strong statistical season. He ranked eighth in the league with 3,897 passing yards, accompanied by 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. As available quarterback options dwindle, Rodgers' appeal grows.

Recently, Sports Illustrated's MMQB Senior Reporter Albert Breer, during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, discussed potential landing places for Rodgers, notably including the Steelers and the New York Giants. In his analysis of the Steelers' quarterback situation, Breer concluded that the team would find itself in a state of considerable uncertainty should they fail to secure Rodgers. 

"I think they are in murky territory if they don't wind up landing Rodgers," said Breer.

This is suggesting a lack of clarity and a potentially difficult path forward. Breer's commentary extended beyond the pursuit of Rodgers, as he also discussed the relationship between Wilson and the Steelers. While acknowledging Wilson's impressive career accomplishments, Breer expressed doubt about the current state of the relationship.

 "I like Russ as a player, he's accomplished a lot, but I'm not sure that relationship is in the best place and has been in the best place," Breed continued.

This implies that there may be underlying tensions or unresolved issues impacting the team. 

Breer further elaborated on the Steelers' quarterback situation, highlighting the strategic difficulty of their decision to release Justin Fields. 

"The hard thing for them is they let Justin Fields go," Breer added.

This is particularly notable because Fields was given the opportunity to secure a starting position with another team. Fields recorded a promising 4-2 start for the Steelers in 2024. In 10 appearances, Fields displayed exceptional efficiency, achieving a career-best 65.8% completion rate while throwing for 1,106 yards, 5 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. He further contributed with his legs, rushing for 289 yards and 5 touchdowns on 62 attempts. 

Breer's analysis also delved into the financial aspects of the Steelers' quarterback acquisitions. Last year, the team managed to secure both Wilson and Fields at remarkable prices. Wilson's one-year contract cost the Steelers $1.2 million, with this former team, the Denver Broncos, paying a significant part of his previous salary, including $53 million with $39 million guaranteed. Similarly, the Steelers' cap hit for Fields was only $3.3 million, with the Chicago Bears paying for most of his rookie contract before trading him. This financial move allowed the Steelers to acquire two quarterbacks at a minimal cost, but Breer's comments suggest that the loss of Fields might have strategic drawbacks. 

The Steelers' strategy of acquiring these two quarterbacks proved to be fiscally responsible. This approach not only helped the Steelers secure a playoff berth last season, but also enabled Head Coach Mike Tomlin to maintain his impressive streak of consecutive seasons with at least a .500 record. 

Steelers Still Have Questions At Quarterback For Now And Later

However, the temporary nature of these contracts, coupled with Fields' departure to another team, has now created a pressing need for the Steelers to form a sustainable, long-term quarterback strategy. While the short-term gamble paid off, the team must now look beyond temporary solutions and address the crucial quarterback position to ensure sustained success in the years to come. 

Naturally, the Steelers could also explore the possibility of addressing their quarterback needs through the 2025 NFL Draft. While the current projections suggest a draft class with a limited number of top-tier quarterback prospects, the draft remains a viable avenue for teams seeking to build the future. With the draft offering options for potential long-term solutions, it cannot be overlooked as a strategic option. Furthermore, considering Breer's recent comments regarding the dynamic between the Steelers and Wilson, we are curious to know if his insights influenced your perspective. 

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