As April rolls in, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a tight spot in the quarterback department. Last offseason, they took a swing for the fences, acquiring Russell Wilson and Justin Fields—two signal-callers who have certainly had their moments. However, this year, Fields has signed a two-year pact with the New York Jets, while Wilson has joined the New York Giants on a one-year deal.
So, if the season kicked off today, the Steelers would be rolling with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson under center. Rudolph brings 19 career starts to the table, spread between his time with the Steelers and a stint with the Tennessee Titans, including one postseason appearance. However, he’s never started more than eight games in a season, which raises questions about his durability and consistency. On the other side, Thompson has four career starts with the Miami Dolphins, and although he’s had his opportunities, his stat line—two touchdowns and five interceptions—tells a story that could use some improvement.
Interestingly, the Steelers have had their names linked with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers after he visited the team on March 21. The quarterback market is thinning out fast, and the prospect of adding a three-time Pro Bowler from a rival division is certainly enticing, but would a trade materialize?
Another intriguing possibility has emerged surrounding Deshaun Watson, formerly of the Houston Texans and now with the Cleveland Browns. The idea of an intra-division move has garnered attention, as it was suggested that Watson could find himself in Pittsburgh. Although this move seems unlikely due to his hefty contract and well-documented injury history, if the Browns choose to get creative, it could lead to a fascinating situation for the Steelers.
Watson’s journey has been turbulent, to say the least. Drafted 12th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, he made an immediate impact during his rookie season. After a devastating ACL injury sidelined him for the rest of his first year, he bounced back with three consecutive Pro Bowl selections and led the Texans to playoff appearances. In 2020, despite a dismal team record, he showcased elite passing skills, leading the NFL in yardage and touchdowns.
However, a string of off-field issues has cast a shadow over his career. Complaints from massage therapists emerged in early 2021, revealing allegations of misconduct. Watson sat out the entire 2021 season amidst both his fallout with the Texans and ongoing legal woes. The Cleveland Browns took the plunge in a blockbuster trade for him ahead of the 2022 season, signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million deal. Unfortunately, his time with the Browns has been marred by an 11-game suspension and multiple injuries that limited his playtime.
Despite his talent, bringing Watson to Pittsburgh poses considerable risks. At just 29, he has the potential to bounce back and reclaim his status as a starting quarterback, but his track record of injuries and legal troubles presents a tough gamble for the Steelers. With a sizeable contract also looming, that risk might not align with the organization’s current trajectory.
The Steelers have managed to reach the playoffs in four of the last five years, and with a roster capable of competing in the upcoming 2025 season, targeting a quarterback like Rodgers or opting for a more low-risk solution—perhaps a player like Trey Lance—could be the smarter play.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it could be an ideal time for Pittsburgh to leverage their picks to secure a promising young quarterback, such as Jaxson Dart. While Deshaun Watson may indeed find another opportunity to shine in this league, it would be wise for the Steelers to approach this offseason with caution, looking to fortify their future without dipping into the uncertainty that comes with acquiring him.
