Steelers' James Harrison Reveals Surprising Option At Quarterback For Pittsburgh To Explore

The Pittsburgh Steelers have some very important questions to answer about their quarterback position. The outlook of the room is entirely bleak, no matter what Aaron Rodgers eventually decides to do. If he comes back for one final year, the team will have to find a successor to him, restarting the entire cycle. If he moves on this offseason, then the franchise has no choice but to put a literal question mark out on the field and see what happens, win or lose. Out of all the options discussed, one underrated player was brought up that could be an interesting change for the Steelers.

On the latest episode of Deebo & Joe, former outside linebacker James Harrison spoke at length about which route the Steelers would take, should Rodgers end up not returning for the 2026 season. His co-host, former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden, continued the conversation by speaking on one of the most interesting names of the quarterback market that has not been mentioned much recently. The idea of this move would be a shock to many, both fans and members of the media, but Haden advocates for it nonetheless.

"I like the fact that we have McCarthy here," Haden said. "It's gonna be a new offense, he knows what he needs. If he thinks that Anthony Richardson can fit into this project, his offensive scheme, then do it. Like, I just want McCarthy to be able to do what he wants to do, 'cause I think with that too, it's a money thing. I don't think that Richardson is gonna be that [player] we gotta spend a lot of money for him. So, at the same time, I think if it's Malik [Willis], it's gonna cost more. So, it's a money thing, it's a McCarthy thing. You're calling the plays, coach. Who do you like?"

The idea of the Steelers having to trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is a wild one. In Richardson's 15 games that he has played, he has been downright abysmal. At his worst in 2024, he started 11 games, and ended up throwing eight touchdowns to 12 interceptions. These seasons are why the Colts are allowing Richardson to seek a trade in the first place.

However, this might not be as bad of an idea as people would suggest. Certain players seem to benefit well from changes in scenery, and Richardson could end up being one of these players. Richardson is also just 23 years old, meaning that if he were to reinvent himself and become great with the Steelers, he could end up sticking around for a very long time. 

Haden's comments also shed light on the fact that the Black and Gold wouldn't have to pay Richardson that much money. This is an even better reason to trade for Richardson, because the team can then use the money they saved on not overpaying another quarterback to replenish an inconsistent offense, or even potentially convince certain free agents to stick around a few more years.

Nonetheless, whoever the Steelers end up going with at quarterback in 2026, be it Rodgers, Richardson, or someone else entirely, the main goal should not change.

Steelers Need To Give Their Starting Quarterback The Best Chance To Succeed

With all the talk about who the eventual starting quarterback for the Steelers could be, they need to also find a way to help them succeed next season. This can be done through free agency or the draft, and would greatly help out an offense that was maddeningly inconsistent throughout the 2025 NFL season. If they want to ensure the franchise's streak of non-losing seasons continues under a new head coach, or even potentially win a playoff game, they need to give their new quarterback all the help he can get.

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