Pittsburgh has a routine question mark around their quarterback position during free agency. Aaron Rodgers is their only hope to have a legit starting option at the most important position in football. It is unknown if he will play or where he might sign as a free agent. If the Steelers can't sign the future Hall of Fame gunslinger, they might have to pivot to some lesser-known commodities.
If Rodgers signs elsewhere, it looks like Mason Rudolph will be the starter in 2025. He is someone Mike Tomlin is comfortable with. Rudolph played with the Tennessee Titans last season, starting five games while also participating in three other contests. His return brings familiarity to the quarterback position as the Steelers await Rodgers's decision.
Losing out on the veteran quarterback could bring new opportunities for other free agents. Here are three quarterbacks the Steelers could sign to offer depth and competition for Rudolph.
Expect Steelers to consider remaining quarterback free agents
Trey Lance, Dallas Cowboys
Don't expect too many top-tier quarterbacks to be available outside of Rodgers.
If Rodgers goes elsewhere, the Steelers might have to settle for lesser options. Pittsburgh could always dip its toes into a free-agent market based on potential. Everyone wants Joe Milton III via trade, but why not consider someone like Trey Lance? He was the former third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft but has been one of the biggest busts in NFL history.
Don't expect Lance to become a franchise quarterback with the Steelers. He could always turn into a lesser version of Justin Fields. Lance is an athletic player with a decent arm and one of the better rushing abilities out there. Entering a stable environment, which Pittsburgh would provide, might be the best landing spot for this free agent if he wishes to turn his career around.
Drew Lock, New York Giants
Perhaps the option that makes the most sense for the Steelers in free agency is Drew Lock. He is considered a draft bust but has found a way to stick in the NFL. He is a bridge quarterback who could challenge Rudolph for the starting job. Both Lock and Rudolph started five games this past season. He isn't going to wow anyone with his play, but he is a reliable signal caller.
Pittsburgh will struggle if they cannot sign Rodgers, and for most of the fanbase, that is good news. Having someone like Lock to challenge Rudolph for the starting spot might be their best action. Neither will become franchise guys, but they can slide up and down the depth chart if losing streaks get lengthy. This free agent would be a good fit in Arthur Smith's offense.
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Desmond Ridder, Las Vegas Raiders
Desmond Ridder could be perfect if they forego the draft and add to the position in free agency.
There's a connection to the Steelers offensive coordinator. Ridder was a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, while Smith was their head coach. He believed in Ridder enough to select him with a high-value selection in the draft process. Smith also shoved Ridder into the starting role, which cost him his job.
During his tenure with Atlanta, Ridder started 17 games over two seasons. We know Pittsburgh scouted this free-agent option closely when he was coming out of the draft. It earned him a pre-draft visit with Pittsburgh. There are too many connections for the Steelers not to consider him an option. Ridder shouldn't be your starter, but he could fill out the depth chart.