ESPN: Steelers Encouraged To Sign Young Promising Free Agent QB

The Pittsburgh Steelers battled the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and suffered their most painful loss of the season. Their defense came out flat, allowing points on the Browns' first two drives, while the Steelers' offense scored just six points total. While the defense picked it up, forcing two turnovers, the offense didn't even score a touchdown. The Steelers would have clinched the AFC North with a win against the Browns, but now face the Baltimore Ravens in a win-or-go-home game that should have been a bye week for the starters. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers played poorly as well in Week 17, which didn't help matters.

While Rodgers didn't have his top receiver, DK Metcalf, due to a two-game suspension, he made a lot of bad decisions. He looked skittish in the pocket and clearly did not want to be hit. It also didn't help his case that his top receivers were Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. While Rodgers looked vintage in the Steelers' three-game winning streak, this game against the Browns was eye-opening. Dan Orlovsky on First Take discussed the Steelers and their future if they win against the Ravens.

"If Mike Tomlin wins and let's say they keep him as their head coach, and I would, the number one move I would make would be Malik Willis," Orlovsky explained. "I would go sign Malik Willis from Green Bay in free agency this year. I think he's proven to be a starting quarterback. I think that starts your next journey in Pittsburgh."

Willis is coming off a game in which he threw for 288 yards, one touchdown, and a quarterback rating of 134.6. Although his team lost, Willis was very accurate and made sound decisions with the football. Willis also had to play two games in 2024, winning both. He threw three touchdowns and no interceptions, and also threw for 550 yards. Willis is making a case for himself that he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL. 

Rodgers is not currently under contract with the Steelers for next season. The outcome of the Steelers' Week 18 game could determine whether Rodgers wants to return for another season. 

Willis Could Give The Steelers A Much-Needed Spark

The Steelers' last two quarterbacks have been 36-year-old Russell Wilson and 42-year-old Rodgers. The Steelers want a veteran quarterback with more experience, while Rodgers and Wilson are both future Hall of Famers; both guys are limited in what they can do. Wilson struggled down the stretch of last season against zone coverage, while Rodgers currently cannot find anyone open against man coverage.  

While Willis is hardly considered a veteran quarterback, he's been in the Matt LaFleur system for two full seasons now. LaFleur comes from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, which got Brock Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, to the Super Bowl -- where he played well. Willis has shown great touch on his deep balls, and he can scramble with the best of them. 

The NFL has had a quarterback development problem lately; teams are giving up on guys too early. Willis started only three games for the Tennessee Titans before they shipped him to Green Bay. We are now seeing guys like Sam Darnold and Mac Jones have a career resurgence with these offensive gurus. Willis could be the next name to join that list. 

Willis is a better thrower of the football than former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields. Fields was benched for Wilson last season after six games. Willis could be what they wanted Fields to be. He's more accurate and smarter with the football. He may not be as good a runner, but his legs get him out of sacks and allow him to extend plays just like Fields. 

What do you think? Should the Steelers give Willis a shot? Should they bring back Rodgers? Let us know in the comments.

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