Legendary Steelers LB James Harrison Reveals He's Been Recruiting Joe Burrow To Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are desperate for an answer at the quarterback position. This situation has lingered for several seasons since Ben Roethlisberger retired. He announced his retirement from the NFL on January 27, 2022. After 18 seasons with the Steelers, Roethlisberger has shifted his focus to sharing his voice through his own podcast.

On Tuesday, he joined his former teammates James Harrison and Joe Haden on their podcast, Deebo & Joe, for a candid conversation. During the episode, Roethlisberger was asked about the quarterback situation, and he made it clear that Aaron Rodgers needs to hurry up and make his decision known. The discussion then took an unexpected turn when Harrison floated the idea of Cincinnati Bengals star QB Joe Burrow coming to Pittsburgh at some point.

When Roethlisberger heard this, he was initially shocked and assumed it was just a fantasy. However, Harrison revealed something even more intriguing, hinting that the idea might not be as far-fetched as it seemed. The conversation left fans buzzing and raised new questions about the future of the Steelers’ quarterback room.

"Joe Burrow going to the Steelers?" Roethlisberger said. "I think that would be a pipe dream. I don’t think that would be a reality."

Harrison stopped Roethlisberger in his tracks and made it clear this is not some pipe dream. He revealed that he’s having genuine conversations with the star quarterback. 

Roethlisberger, naturally, pushed back, pointing out that the money would be tough. He said there isn’t enough money to go around, but it was obvious that he and the Steelers would be jumping through hoops at the very thought of bringing Burrow to the Steel City.

"I didn’t ask you about no pipe dreams," Harrison said. "I have been talking to this man. We have been having conversations. Aye, Joe Burrow, listen to him. A Hall of Fame QB just told you it is a no-brainer to come over here to the Black and Gold… Come over here and get you a Lombardi."

The Bengals and Burrow haven’t figured things out yet and haven’t been able to maximize his window for a Super Bowl. With Mike McCarthy now at the helm in Pittsburgh, he’s known for running exciting offenses, and with weapons like DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., the Steelers’ roster suddenly looks a lot more attractive. Somehow, the pipe dream of getting Burrow to Pittsburgh could start gaining a little steam, especially since Harrison is actively having conversations with him. 

Steelers' Future At QB Remains Uncertain

That doesn’t mean it’s close to happening, other than the fact that Harrison confirmed he has talked to Burrow and that the quarterback would be open to playing in the Steel City. Of course, there are obvious logistical hoops that Steelers General Manager Omar Khan would have to jump through to make it a reality, but the idea alone has fans buzzing and imagining what could be.

The future of the Steelers’ quarterback room remains uncertain, but with McCarthy in town and plenty of possibilities for big moves, there is growing noise that Pittsburgh might try to draft a quarterback in 2026. Many, however, believe 2027 is when the real action will happen. For now, the team seems comfortable waiting on Rodgers. 

It will be interesting to see what else Harrison has to say about his conversations with Burrow and whether this storyline gains any traction in the coming months. All eyes are on Khan as he continues to figure out the quarterback position for the future. Fans, as well as the team itself, will know much more once Rodgers actually makes a decision on his future.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond. 

#SteelerNation