With the quarterback carousel rapidly slowing across the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain one of the few teams still searching for clarity under center heading into the 2025 season.
Sam Darnold is headed to Seattle. Justin Fields has landed in New York with the Jets. Geno Smith was traded to the Raiders, Daniel Jones is off to Indianapolis – and yet, in Pittsburgh, the quarterback puzzle is still unsolved.
The franchise hasn’t had a true long-term answer at the position since Ben Roethlisberger’s prime – and that drought doesn’t appear close to ending.
Now, the Steelers’ search has reportedly been narrowed to two grizzled veterans: Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers.
Combined, the two have 33 years of NFL wear and tear – and neither are what they once were. But that hasn’t stopped the Steelers from considering one of them as a bridge to stability.
Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger made his opinion known during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, endorsing one candidate without hesitation.
“I think that you gotta really consider Russ. Everyone knows what Russ can do with the deep ball, or the moon ball, or the rainbow ball, or whatever you want to call it now,” Roethlisberger said.
Big Ben pointed to Pittsburgh’s revamped receiving corps – most notably George Pickens and newly acquired DK Metcalf – as ideal targets for Wilson’s signature deep throws.
“You’ve got two deep threats. You’re telling me that you throw that ball up to DK (Metcalf) and GP (George Pickens) and they’re not going to want to go get that go ball?”
Wilson already has built-in chemistry with Metcalf from their three seasons together in Seattle, and that familiarity could tilt the scales in his favor.
Rodgers, on the other hand, would be coming in fresh – and at age 41, it’s unclear just how much he has left in the tank.
In contrast, Wilson, despite his ups and downs since leaving Seattle, spent last year learning Arthur Smith’s offense and could bring a level of continuity and professionalism the Steelers value.
A move for Rodgers, by comparison, would carry more risk, both in terms of performance and locker room dynamics.
And the Steelers – historically patient and pragmatic – have never been a franchise to make decisions out of desperation.
If we’re being honest, if feels like the vast majority of Pittsburgh’s fanbase isn’t too thrilled with the idea of keeping Wilson.
Rodgers would seemingly come with a higher upside. However, as Big Ben pointed out, Wilson may be able to turn back the clock a little bit thanks to the addition of Metcalf.
Either way, we won’t have to wait too much longer to receive clarity on the situation…
What are your thoughts on Ben’s stance? … Would you prefer Wilson over Rodgers???
