Pittsburgh Steelers fans have plenty to discuss regarding the team’s current quarterback situation, and they’re not alone in their frustrations. Legendary former Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw recently voiced his discontent on 103.7 The Buzz’s “Morning Mayhem,” criticizing the organization for how they managed the development of Kenny Pickett and questioning the wisdom of their ongoing pursuit of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Bradshaw, who has seen his fair share of quarterbacks come and go in the Steel City, made it clear he still believes in Pickett, the Steelers’ first-round pick from 2022. Reflecting on Pickett’s brief career in Pittsburgh, he lamented the lack of support the young quarterback received. “I liked Kenny Pickett,” Bradshaw stated. “When they got him to Pittsburgh, they didn’t protect him, they didn’t get him an offensive line. They wanted to run the football, but they didn’t have an offensive line that could protect, and they didn’t have weapons. He had no wide receivers to speak of.”
It’s a pointed criticism that highlights a critical issue: the Steelers’ recent struggles to build a well-rounded offense. Bradshaw noted how the offensive line’s deficiencies hampered Pickett, describing a situation where a young quarterback was thrust into an environment that simply wasn’t conducive to success. “You throw a kid in there for two years, with an offense that doesn’t fit and doesn’t work, and they can’t run because their offensive line’s not even good enough for a run-blocking team. Now, they’re saying Kenny Pickett is a failure. He wasn’t a failure; the Steelers were a failure.”
Fast forward to 2024, and the Steelers have moved on from Pickett, who now finds himself with the Cleveland Browns after a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has turned to a pair of experienced veterans: Justin Fields, formerly of the Chicago Bears, and Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. Both players, however, have since signed with New York teams – Fields with the Jets and Wilson with the Giants.
As the team explores its quarterback options, Bradshaw did not spare the current management from criticism over their attempt to land Rodgers, who remains a free agent as the Steelers kick off their OTAs. “That’s a joke,” Bradshaw bluntly remarked. “What are you gonna do? Bring him in for one year? Are you kidding me? That guy needs to stay in California. Go somewhere and chew on bark and whisper to the gods out there.”
Team owner Art Rooney II has indicated that they’re willing to wait for Rodgers to make a decision, assuring reporters that the organization is prepared to be patient. But with the clock ticking, it becomes increasingly important for the team to solidify its quarterback situation. Currently, they have three others on the roster: Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard, selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Rudolph brings the most experience, having started 18 games during his previous five seasons with the Steelers before a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans.
Looking back, Rodgers had a productive 2024 season with a completion rate of 63%, throwing for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. However, his future is uncertain after New York announced earlier this year that they would be moving in a different direction before ultimately releasing him.
As for the Steelers, they have made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. Still, the organization hasn’t enjoyed a postseason victory since 2016. With Bradshaw’s words echoing in the air, it remains to be seen whether the team will heed his advice or find themselves in yet another season of promise leading to disappointment. Only time will tell if the Steelers’ quarterback dilemma will resolve in their favor or if they’re destined for another early exit come playoff time.
