The Pittsburgh Steelers are staying patient in their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers – perhaps too patient.
But while the two sides seemingly take their time, some Steelers fans are growing impatient.
While Rodgers signing with Pittsburgh may be inevitable, it’s no secret that some Steelers fans aren’t too thrilled with the idea.
Regardless, we should hear an official announcement sooner rather than later…
Meanwhile, the Steelers are also exploring other quarterback options, including the possibility of selecting a quarterback for the future with the No. 21 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe have both been floated as possible targets at No. 21. (Although Milroe’s stock is slipping as fast as Dart’s is rising.)
This follows a turbulent season in which Pittsburgh experimented with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, only to see both now starting elsewhere – Wilson with the Giants and Fields with the Jets.
But what if there was another unexpected quarterback option – one that involved the Steelers ditching their first-round pick entirely?
Enter Anthony Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. The ultra-athletic quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance, but struggled enough last year that Indy benched him in favor of a 39-year-old Joe Flacco.
This offseason, the Colts signed ex-Giants starter Daniel Jones to a one-year deal, setting up a competition between him and Richardson.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has already picked a winner – Jones – and has an unconventional idea: send Richardson to Pittsburgh for the Steelers’ No. 21 pick.
“I like the fit for Richardson in the Steelers’ offense. His arm strength would be a terrifying combination with DK Metcalf and George Pickens,” Barnwell wrote.
“Coordinator Arthur Smith has incorporated quarterback run concepts in each of his stops, although he would likely need to lean into those concepts further with Richardson under center.
“He might not be an immediate starter if the Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers, but he could take a much-needed redshirt year and then start in 2026.”
From an X’s and O’s perspective, there’s logic to Barnwell’s idea. But from a realistic trade standpoint? It seems far-fetched.
Let’s face it: Richardson has been a major disappointment in the early part of his NFL journey. Besides his wild inaccuracy, his controversial decision to take himself out of a game last season will follow him around for the rest of his career.
While there’s still time to change the narrative, it’s looking like Richardson is the definition of a “Combine Warrior” who made some NFL evaluators fall in love with his athleticism and potential rather than actual ability.
In other words, why would the Steelers trade a first-round pick for him? They could very well believe in Richardson, but if they wanted him it would most likely cost MUCH less than the No. 21 pick.
Of course, if Rodgers does eventually sign with the Steelers, Pittsburgh’s quarterback room is already going to be crowded – especially after they just re-signed Mason Rudolph.
Adding Richardson to that mix would only create more chaos. However, even with Rodgers, the Steelers need to think about the future of the position.
Realistically, Rodgers has two years left in the NFL at most. With him under center, the Steelers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. But what about when he retires? It’s best to plan for both the present and future right now.
What are your thoughts on Barnwell’s suggestion that the Steelers try to trade for Richardson?
Are you a believer in the former No. 4 overall pick? … Or would the Steelers be better off signing Rodgers and drafting a rookie quarterback in the first few rounds come April???
