As the offseason heats up, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, and the spotlight is firmly on their quarterback situation. With only Skylar Thompson, a former Miami Dolphins backup, under contract, the search for a formidable signal-caller is more pressing than ever. Steelers fans are hopeful that their team is just a quarterback away from making a serious Super Bowl run, but the reality is that they’re in a tough spot—they aren’t in a position to draft a franchise QB right now.
The challenge is that the market has a variety of options, but each choice comes with its own set of risks and rewards. The key will be navigating this delicate landscape wisely. We’ve seen teams take bold chances on quarterbacks before—some that paid off handsomely, and others that sent franchises back to square one. For the Steelers, getting this decision right could define the next era of their team, while a misstep could set them back years.
So, what are the potential routes the Steelers could take? Let’s dive into the options they have at their disposal.
Re-signing Justin Fields is a favorite among the fanbase. Many believe he wasn’t given a fair chance last season, particularly when head coach Mike Tomlin opted to go with Russell Wilson after injury, despite Fields leading the team to a decent record during his tenure as starter. Bringing back Fields makes sense; having already been in the offensive system, he could build off the chemistry he’s started to develop within the organization.
Fields, the former 11th overall pick, showcased his dual-threat capabilities during his recent starts, throwing for over 1,100 yards and five touchdowns against just one interception, while also contributing significantly on the ground. The risk of a relatively small sample size is there, but the financial implications are favorable—estimates suggest he could be available for around $10 million per year, leaving space for the Steelers to bolster their roster elsewhere.
However, competition from other teams might drive up Fields’ market value, so if Pittsburgh is all in, they’ll need to act decisively. It’s a gamble, but could deliver significant rewards if he blossoms.
Trading for Matthew Stafford could also be a strategic move. A Super Bowl champion just three years ago, Stafford has proven he can perform at a high level. Still, he brings concerns with his age—37—and contract demands that could reach upwards of $50 million. He’s coming off a season where he threw for over 3,700 yards with 20 touchdowns while limiting his interceptions to just eight. Clearly, he still has plenty of fight left in him.
Yet, signing an aging veteran is a huge commitment—think of the recent pitfalls faced by teams like the Jets. Should the Steelers decide to pursue Stafford, they might have to part with their 21st draft pick, which would make the stakes even higher. If it works out, this move could be the key to playoff contention, but if it doesn’t, it could have long-lasting repercussions.
Signing a bridge quarterback is an alternative route if they decide Stafford is too high-risk or if the Fields option falls through. There are several solid candidates available, but none of them seem to be the long-term solution the Steelers need. They could look towards veterans like Sam Darnold, Aaron Rodgers, or even consider bringing Russell Wilson back into the fold. However, any of these players would be seen as stopgaps, requiring the Steelers to draft a younger QB to develop behind them.
Although a bridge quarterback could still help secure wins in the short term, the Steelers would likely need to embrace a rebuilding mentality, which could mean a less competitive season while grooming their future QB. It’s a tricky balancing act, but if Pittsburgh handles it wisely, they might just find their next great leader under center.
As we look ahead, the Steelers’ decision-making in this quarterback search will be crucial. Whether they opt for signing Fields, trading for Stafford, or leaning into a bridge QB strategy, each path carries its risks and potential for rewards that could shape the franchise’s future for years to come.
