Steelers Have 1 Major Issue Hurting The Whole Team

The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck in quarterback purgatory for another year, and who knows how long it goes on for? Every single available quarterback has been linked to the team due to their desire to not tank, as well as their need for some sort of stability at the position. They did sign Mason Rudolph as a guy that can be the starter or the backup depending on how the cards play out. However, it seems like they are still trying go all in despite losing the hand already. 

Cameron Heyward recently revealed that he was sick of all the rumors and controversies surrounding the position. Everything will be so much easier once the team finally signs someone else, whether he is above or below Rudolph on the initial depth chart. Aaron Rodgers can take all the time he wants, but that won't help his case for signing anywhere. 

NFL Analyst Ross Tucker agreed with Heyward's complaints, but he brought up one issue surrounding the team at the position. 

Whether it's because of money, weather factors, or something else, every top quarterback option has turned down the Steelers for another team. That's why the front office is hoping that they can pay the 41-year-old Rodgers to go along with a career backup that came back to Pittsburgh due to the potential opportunity that he would get to start. 

The Steelers used to be the team that everyone wanted to play for. They wanted to learn under Head Coach Mike Tomlin and experience the way championship football is played. Instead, they had a player tell them "No thanks" so he could sign with the New York Jets amid their recent struggles and dysfunction at the quarterback position in Justin Fields.

The Steelers have developed a reputation for getting great players for great value. That reputation shot up in 2024 when they bought in two starting-caliber quarterbacks for as close to nothing as they could. Unfortunately, that offseason is a once-in-a-generation phenomenon, and there was no way they could replicate it in 2025. 

Why Can't The Steelers Bring In Quality Starters At QB?

For starters, Tomlin has recently developed a reputation of being a liar to incoming acquisitions, especially fringe starters. Many players, including Justin Fields, have reportedly been misled by the veteran coach. Who wants to play for a coach that routinely gives out false information to his own players? Most players don't, or at the very least, they want more money to deal with that kind of situation.

The Steelers won't overpay players, but in some cases, they think they can get the players to take a cheaper deal just because of Tomlin's existence on the team. Numerous people have previously stated how they would love to play for him, but with the experiences of many recent players, that number is seemingly starting to dwindle down.

The NFL revolves around the question "What have you done for me lately?" Tomlin may be a Super Bowl champion and a man that has had to deal with some of the most toxic locker rooms ever, but those things are in the past. Lately, he has reportedly lied to many acquisitions on the road to constant mediocrity in a very predictable scheme that he refuses to change.

It's rare that a great veteran quarterback hits the open market, which the Steelers are hoping for. However, unless they change their ways, they won't be able to get that kind of player when he is finally available. They will be playing quarterback hot potato for the foreseeable future, so Heyward better get used to these rumors swirling nonstop.

What do you think about quarterbacks not wanting to sign with the Steelers? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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