Steelers Hit With Blunt Reality About Targeting Free Agent Quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new regime has a lot of questions to answer. Of course, after Mike McCarthy built out his staff, the new direction of the team has become a little more clear, but there is still so much more to uncover. For Steelers fans, the biggest mystery remains at quarterback, as they are desperate to know what will happen for the 2026 season.

McCarthy has been clear that he would welcome Aaron Rodgers back if Rodgers wants to return. He also likes Will Howard’s potential and believes Mason Rudolph is capable. That doesn’t mean Pittsburgh won’t explore free agency or trades for a quarterback, especially if Rodgers decides not to play for the Steelers in 2026 or hangs up his cleats altogether.

While speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo revealed why he thinks fans won’t be particularly thrilled with the team’s quarterback plan. According to Fittipaldo, the uncertainty surrounding Malik Willis and other options makes the situation a "very slippery slope," and the team is unlikely to make a blockbuster move like a massive contract commitment. Fans should expect a cautious, methodical approach, rather than a flashy or high-profile quarterback splash.

"I think it would be a less flashy type of player," Fittipaldo said. "Look at the way they approached the Justin Fields thing. They acquired him in a trade, but it was a very reasonable contract, and they kind of knew what his worth was. They kind of knew what it was at the time and what it was going to be going forward. How can you even have any idea about that with Malik Willis?"

The Steelers have shown a pattern of cautious decision-making when it comes to quarterback acquisitions. They prefer to fully understand a player’s value before committing significant resources. In Justin Fields’ case, they structured a trade and contract that minimized risk while still adding talent. 

Willis, however, is a very different situation because he is largely unproven at the NFL level. The team does not have the same clarity on his skills, potential, or long-term fit. That uncertainty makes any big investment in him far more precarious.

"The guy has played less than probably 200 snaps in the NFL," Fittipaldo said. "There is certainly no way of knowing who he is, and there is certainly no way of knowing what his worth is. So it’s a very slippery slope there. Would they do it? Not for the price that is being thrown around there, I will tell you that. They didn’t want to go to two years for $40 million for Justin Fields. They are certainly not doing that for Malik Willis."

Steelers Remain In Yearly Quarterback Carousel

Pittsburgh has been in a quarterback carousel ever since the day Ben Roethlisberger decided to retire. They tried to make it work with Kenny Pickett, but that experiment failed quickly. Then they turned to Russell Wilson and Fields, and neither worked, before finding some success with Rodgers in the 2025 NFL season. Pittsburgh didn't end their playoff drought with Rodgers, but they did go 10-7 while also winning the AFC North.

At this stage, many believe it would not be prudent to go in that direction again. Others think the Steelers still should try to win immediately under this new regime. Either way, Pittsburgh fans are unlikely to embrace the idea of trading for or signing a non-flashy quarterback, but only time will tell what truly transpires. 

For now, hearing from the insider offers an interesting perspective. Steelers fans will likely begin to guess which quarterback Pittsburgh may trade or sign.

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