Steelers Are Absolutely "Loading Up To Get" Future Franchise Quarterback In 2026

In 2024, the Pittsburgh Steelers brought in two veterans, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, to serve as their quarterbacks. Now, both of them have moved on. Fields signed a deal with the New York Jets at the start of free agency. The newest news is that Wilson has signed a one-year, $10.5 million guaranteed contract with the New York Giants. With incentives layered in, that deal could be worth as much as $21 million for Wilson. 

Many insiders believe this paves the way for the Steelers to conclude a deal with Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers and the Giants reportedly offered Rodgers deals, and he has been taking his time on deciding. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo joined The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan and was asked if the Steelers missed out on Wilson. Fittipaldo said he doesn't think so and it feels clear that Wilson saw the writing on the wall after his relationship with the team soured at the end of the 2024 season. He also feels it indicates the Giants realize they aren't going to get Rodgers and decided to move in another direction.    

Show co-host Adam Crowley asked Fittipaldo about the change in direction from what Team Owner and President Art Rooney II said at the end of the season. Rooney told the media that the team wanted to retain either Fields or Wilson and hoped to build more continuity in the quarterback room. Crowley said it sounded like Rooney wanted Wilson, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith wanted Fields, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin now wants Rodgers. 

"I do think conversations were had after Art Rooney did his news conference in January, so we're talking six weeks out," said Fittipaldo. "Maybe they all got together after that, and maybe Art came to the realization that that relationship couldn't be repaired. I think that's one aspect of it. In terms of Tomlin, I think you're 100% right, Adam; this is Tomlin's doing; he wants Rodgers to be the guy this year. I don't think this changes anything about 2026. This is just a one-year bridge, no matter if this is Mason Rudolph, if it would have been Russell Wilson or if it's Aaron Rodgers. This is a one-year bridge to that future franchise quarterback that I think they're loading up to get in 2026."

If Wilson and Fields meet some playing benchmarks for their new teams, the Steelers could get third-round compensatory draft picks for them. Crowley mentioned that, as of now, they could have as many as four third-round picks, and Fittipaldo feels they are planning to stockpile those to potentially move up in the 2026 NFL Draft to go after one of those top quarterbacks. 

Fans have been quick to point out that the Steelers franchise is "cheap." The reality is that neither Wilson nor Fields got such large contracts that the Steelers couldn't match the offer. It feels like neither was a good fit, and Tomlin sees rolling the dice on someone new as a better option. 

Steelers' Arthur Smith Is On Board

While Smith might have been hoping Fields would return, he is reportedly excited about Rodgers coming to Pittsburgh. Rodgers went to the South Side facility to meet with the Steelers staff, including Smith and Tomlin, and it reportedly went well. 

Rumors circulated recently that the team kept reins on the quarterbacks in 2024, but Smith knows he won't be able to do that with Rodgers. However, it is also clear that Rodgers will not be allowed just to run the offense as he sees fit. The two might actually provide the balance the other needs. 

Do you agree that all of this is just to be a bridge until they can find a franchise guy in 2026? Tell us what you think below!

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