The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a holding pattern as they await Aaron Rodgers' decision. Rodgers holds all the cards in negotiations, and he is Pittsburgh's best-remaining option. However, the Steelers did sign Mason Rudolph in free agency as a contingency plan. If they fail to lure Rodgers, expect the club to struggle to find a reliable starter this offseason.
With a weak crop of quarterbacks coming out of the NFL Draft, don't anticipate Steelers general manager Omar Khan taking a quarterback early after moving his second-round selection to acquire D.K. Metcalf in a trade. Pittsburgh could find themselves in a difficult position if Rodgers decides to sign with the Minnesota Vikings or New York Giants in free agency. He could also choose to retire.
If the Steelers miss out on Rodgers, they could be forced to sign one of these unwanted veteran quarterbacks in free agency.
3 quarterbacks the Pittsburgh Steelers could still sign in free agency
Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts
Mason Rudolph might be the early favorite to start, but there are other options they could sign in free agency. Joe Flacco is someone many have circled as a reliable quarterback to bring aboard during a bridge season for the Steelers if they miss out on Rodgers. Flacco might not be a top player in his position, but he proved he can get your team some wins throughout a grueling campaign.
An idea of Rudolph possibly not lasting a 17-game season as the starter for the Steelers is out there. That is reasonable, as the former third-round pick of The Black and Gold has yet to accomplish that task. Flacco would be a good mix with Rudolph. Both can move up and down the depth chart and start when needed. If one struggles, the other could suit up for a while.
Carson Wentz, Kansas City Chiefs
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin loves reclamation projects. He enjoys former first-round picks joining his roster to try and unlock any remaining potential. Normally, it turns out to be a dud, but sometimes it works out. Someone like Carson Wentz could be the next project for Pittsburgh's top coach. It would be a brutal process of turning Wentz's career around.
The former second-overall pick has many similarities to Mitch Trubisky.
Wentz and Trubisky are quarterbacks with high draft pedigree who never developed enough. Both had some success with the teams who drafted them, but they never lived up to the hype. Wentz backed up for Patrick Mahomes last season, which could have helped his game. He isn't going to wow anyone, but he could start some games if called upon.
READ MORE: Aaron Rodgers will be complicit in Mike Tomlin's master plan of mediocrity
Teddy Bridgewater, Detroit Lions
It is unknown if Teddy Bridgewater will return to the NFL, but if he does, the Steelers should gauge his interest. If he comes back, he would certainly love a chance to gain a starting job once again. Pittsburgh would be a nice landing spot for the veteran signal-caller. After a catastrophic injury during the early portion of his career, he has struggled to rebound as a starter in the NFL.
He's been a journeyman ever since suffering that injury. His mobility has lessened, but his feel for the game is still prevalent. Bridgewater has jumped into high school coaching in Florida, which landed him a state title. If the 10-year quarterback wants to commit to the NFL, the Steelers would be wise to have him compete with Rudolph for the starting job.