The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a weird spot when it comes to the quarterback position. The franchise is waiting a decision from four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers on what he plans to do with his future, while Kirk Cousins could also be an option if Rodgers opts to retire or sign elsewhere. Cousins could be expensive to trade for, and if it comes to that, Pittsburgh should start to explore other options. The organization always likes to bring four quarterbacks to training camp in August, so it will be acquiring another passer at some point in the offseason.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland during the 2024 season.
Pittsburgh still has a few options out there when it comes to acquiring a quarterback. The well has mostly dried up when it comes to free agency, but there are still a couple of players worth taking a look at as well as some situations around the league that could be taken advantage of via a trade. Here are the five best cases of that.
1. Will Levis
Will Levis was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he began his NFL career in a great way. In his first start in Week 8 of the 2023 season, he threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns, but it was all downhill from there.
He has struggled with turning the ball over and remaining healthy, but he could benefit from a change of scenery. Things have also not been very consistent with the Tennessee Titans, they has been one of the worst organizations in the league over the last several years.
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Steelers TJ Watt sacks Tennessee Titans' Will Levis in Pittsburgh, PA during the 2023 season.
The Titans would probably also like to move on from Levis. The franchise just drafted Cam Ward with the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the last thing that organization needs is Levis putting up a strong competition to land the starting gig. It would be best for all parties involved if Levis was somewhere else during the 2025 season.
2. Aidan O'Connell
Aidan O'Connell has not been as bad as some might think during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was drafted in the fourth round back in 2023, and he has gotten plenty of experience at the professional level. He has started 17 games throughout his career and thrown for 20 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions, all while the Raiders have had essentially no luck running the football.
This is another situation where a new quarterback has arrived in Geno Smith, as well as an entire new regime with Head Coach Pete Carroll and General Manager John Spytek. O'Connell could be on the move, especially after the organization drafted Cam Miller.
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Former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields hugs Raiders' Aidan O'Connell after a game in 2024.
3. Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz is the first actual free agent on this list, and he spent the 2024 season as the backup to Patrick Mahomes. He didn't see much action, but he has a ton of experience as a starter in the NFL, and he could be a bridge quarterback for the 2025 season. It is hard to imagine the Steelers would be able to win any games with Wentz, and the organization would certainly prefer to start Mason Rudolph over the veteran.
4. Jameis Winston
The New York Giants have a packed quarterback room. Russell Wilson is presumed to be the starter, with Jameis Winston and Jaxson Dart being right behind him. Expect Dart to be thrust into the backup role so he can get actual reps at practice, and maybe even see some playing time in games.
Winston will likely be the emergency third quarterback, which could make him a trade candidate. He struggles mightily with turnovers, but he was able to take down Pittsburgh in 2024 and the franchise could look to acquire him via trade if it gets desperate.
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Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill stands alongside his former Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith as the two walk on the field at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.
Steelers Could Look To Entertain A Ryan Tannehill Comeback
Ryan Tannehill has not played in the NFL since the 2023 season, but he has not officially announced his retirement. He has a familiar working relationship with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, and he would have plenty of weapons to utilize in Pittsburgh.
Tannehill would probably be cheap considering his hiatus from the NFL, and it would be an interesting experiment to watch if the Steelers decided to do it. He has been out of the game for nearly two years, but he probably still has something left in the tank.
Which is your favorite option? Let us know in the comments below!
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