Report: Steelers Nearly Agreed To Terms With Top Free Agent Target During Legal Tampering

The Pittsburgh Steelers will never be free from their quarterback controversy until they find a long-term solution. Mason Rudolph may be a quality scheme fit that knows the organization well, but he was signed to be a guy that maybe starts in case they can't bring in Aaron Rodgers. With the lack of quality options in free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft, Steeler Nation should prepare for another painful offseason in 2026, where the same exact questions get asked, just like in 2024. 

The Steelers were close to getting a better idea of what their future looked like early on in the offseason. Albert Breer reports that Sam Darnold was excited to join Pittsburgh, but in the end, money talks.

"Seattle beat out the Steelers (Darnold really did love the idea of playing for Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith) for the quarterback’s services with the three-year deal that would give him $37.5 million in Year 1, a $55 million injury guarantee, and early-vesting roster bonuses in of $15 million, and $10 million in February 2026 and '27," reported Breer.

Darnold was the big-ticket quarterback free agent of the 2025 group, and the Seattle Seahawks gave him a deal worth roughly $100 million to grab him. It is unclear exactly what the Steelers offered, but at the very least, they were in the mix. The journeyman gets the multi-year deal that he desires while getting the chance to prove himself as a quality option. 

Even with all the issues coming out about Head Coach Mike Tomlin, he is still seen as a great player's coach that many people want to follow. Many guys love the idea of playing for him, whether the fit with the team makes sense or not. That reputation may be slowly fading away, but it is still there and can be used as a weapon to sign all kinds of free agents.

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has recently been revealed to also be a highly respected figure in the NFL. His time as a head coach was less than ideal, but his ability to run an offense is seen as an overall positive. With the league seemingly reverting back towards run-first offenses, Smith's style works with the modern game. 

While Darnold would love to be led by those men, money and job security come first. While the Steelers' offer is unknown, it's safe to say that they did not offer anything close to a nine-figure deal. 

Steelers' Quarterback Plans All Fell Through

Not only did the Steelers miss out on Darnold, but they lost Justin Fields, as he left to sign with the New York Jets. Once that signing happened, the front office was left to scramble for any kind of quarterback that could play at a somewhat competent level. 

Rudolph was signed as a potential option just in case everything with Rodgers doesn't pan out, and his $8 million deal only proves that. He is making pennies compared to what Darnold is making to lead the Seahawks through this transitionary period. While Seattle may not be in the best shape after their offseason moves, they at least have some sort of plan. The Steelers don't.

Pittsburgh's philosophy on the quarterback position needs to change. They put a lot of stock in aging veterans, as well as the belief that their legacy can make players sign for less money. This is a league that revolves around the question "what have you done for me lately?" Being a playoff doormat is not attractive for players that want to win a championship, and neither does intentionally lowballing them in negotiations.

What do you think about the Steelers getting close to signing Darnold in free agency? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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