Schefter: Russell Wilson's New Deal Leaves Clear Path For Steelers And Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback search has become way more clear after news broke on Tuesday afternoon. It was first reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter that the New York Giants would be signing former Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth $21 million, including $10.5 million guaranteed. This officially closes the chapter on Wilson in Pittsburgh, confirming what many suspected — the Steelers are focused on a much bigger target.

The Steelers appeared out on Wilson for weeks as they have been heavily tied into the Aaron Rodgers saga. Speculation has swirled for months about Pittsburgh’s interest in Rodgers, but Tuesday’s developments gave fans a clearer picture of the team’s plan. With Wilson moving on, it’s become obvious the Steelers are all-in on making a blockbuster move for the future Hall of Famer.

Schefter followed up his initial breaking news with another post that spelled good news for the Steelers in regards to Rodgers. According to the report, there are now zero teams standing in Pittsburgh’s way. The Steelers have positioned themselves as the frontrunners to land Rodgers, and after months of rumors, it feels like the finish line is finally within reach.

It seemed unlikely that the Steelers and Wilson were going to run it back after months of strange reports suggesting that Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and Wilson had a rocky working relationship down the stretch. The Steelers clearly didn’t see enough from Wilson when he took over in 2024 and decided it was time to take a bigger gamble — one on one of the most polarizing and legendary figures in sports with Rodgers.

It’s an interesting development now. The Steelers have let both Justin Fields and Wilson walk — Fields to the New York Jets and Wilson to the Giants. Both quarterbacks landed reasonable deals that Pittsburgh likely could have matched if they wanted to. The fact that they didn’t speaks volumes.

The organization’s decision not to retain either quarterback is very telling about how the Steelers' front office and coaching staff viewed Wilson’s and Fields’ 2024 performances. Despite all the hope and hype that surrounded both at different points, Pittsburgh made it clear they’re aiming higher — and they believe Rodgers is the answer.

The Steelers’ key decision-makers — Head Coach Mike Tomlin, General Manager Omar Khan, and Team President Art Rooney II — spent over six hours with Rodgers on Friday. By all accounts, the meeting went extremely well, and while Rodgers' true intentions remain unclear, the Steelers seem confident he will be their starting quarterback for the 2025 season. If for some reason that doesn’t materialize, Pittsburgh is prepared to roll with Mason Rudolph and likely target another quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite the class being considered weak at the position.

Steelers Are Probable To Take A Quarterback Late In 2025 NFL Draft

Regardless of whether the Steelers land Rodgers or not, they will almost certainly look to the draft and try to strike gold with a late-round pick. Opportunity often arises in a market others overlook, and Pittsburgh may be banking on finding hidden talent in a year where most teams aren’t looking. Their front office has a track record of betting on development and upside, and that strategy could pay off once again.

One thing is crystal clear: in a moment of desperation and uncertainty, the Steelers chose to move on from both Wilson and Fields. They have their sights set elsewhere and are fully trusting their plan. Whether or not that gamble pays off remains to be seen — but the Steelers are swinging big, and only time will tell if they connect.

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