The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t know what their plan is at quarterback for the 2025 season. Russell Wilson doesn’t feel like a real option, and that’s proved by the fact that he hasn’t been signed to be the starter. If Pittsburgh wanted to move forward with Wilson, they likely would’ve already gotten that done. Now, with Wilson visiting the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, the Steelers appear to be all in on Aaron Rodgers.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
If the Steelers are waiting on Rodgers, they’re taking a massive risk. There’s no guarantee the Steelers will end up with Rodgers and even if they do. Paying a 41-year-old quarterback a massive sum of money is typically a bad move. Meanwhile, Wilson’s visits with other teams indicate he’s preparing to leave, and if Pittsburgh loses both him and Rodgers, they could be stuck without a clear answer. Whether that’s by design or out of necessity remains to be seen, but right now, the Steelers' quarterback future is anything but settled.
On Friday, Mike Florio broke down the Steelers' decision to bring back former quarterback Mason Rudolph on a two-year deal worth $8 million. Many assume that Rudolph will be the backup, but Florio believes the Steelers will seriously consider him as the starter. Rudolph proved in 2023 that he could step in and manage the offense efficiently, leading Pittsburgh to the playoffs after taking over late in the year. His return suggests that the Steelers wanted him back in the building and felt like the price was right.
"I think we need to take Rudolph seriously as a potential plan A," Florio said. "I think that Rudolph closes the door on Russell Wilson. I don’t think they ever wanted Russell Wilson back."
Rudolph, of course, became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh after stepping in late during the 2023 season and leading the Steelers back to the playoffs. He completed an impressive 74.3% of his passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. More importantly, he went 3-0 as a starter in the regular season, helping the Steelers secure a postseason berth when it looked like their season was slipping away.
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Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph waves as he walks off the field after the Cincinnati Bengals game, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh.
Despite his success, the Steelers wasted no time overhauling their quarterback room in 2024, acquiring both Wilson and Justin Fields on bargain deals. That left no room for Rudolph, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in hopes of earning more playing time. He eventually got his chance, starting five games and appearing in eight during the 2024 season.
With the Titans, Rudolph posted a 64% completion rate, throwing for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions. While his numbers weren’t spectacular, he still flashed his arm talent at times, proving he could push the ball downfield and make plays when needed. Now, after a year away, he’s back in Pittsburgh, and with the Steelers still uncertain about their quarterback plans, there’s a real chance he could find himself in the mix for the starting job once again according to Florio.
Steelers Stuck In The Same Cycle If They Don't Land Aaron Rodgers
The Steelers appear to be seriously considering committing a large sum of money to Rodgers, believing he can still play at an elite level in the NFL. Given the team’s quarterback uncertainty, it’s no surprise that fans are growing desperate for a definitive starter. If the choice comes down to Rudolph, Wilson, or Rodgers, it seems that Rodgers is the most exciting and promising option for Pittsburgh’s future.
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Packers' Aaron Rodgers looks on during a game away from Green Bay.
However, if the Steelers miss out on Rodgers, they’ll find themselves right back in quarterback purgatory. It could even be argued that they’re already there, as they continue to weigh their options between aging quarterbacks with no clear long-term solution for the position. While this situation isn’t ideal, it will certainly be interesting to see how the Steelers navigate their uncertain quarterback future and whether they can finally find stability at the position.
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