It was another disappointing conclusion to the Steelers' season that saw them get blown out in the playoffs. There is no shortage of blame to pass for this loss, but the common denominator since their failures that date back to 2017 has been Mike Tomlin. The long-time head coach deserves a ton of scrutiny that goes his way as his routine postseason debacles have only tarnished a resume that is otherwise Hall of Fame worthy.
Other than Tomlin, Russell Wilson deserves a hefty amount of blame going his direction. He fell off in his play after securing a 10-3 record. Wilson is scheduled to hit free agency, and laughably high contract projections have him getting a healthy pay raise.
Tomlin seems to like Wilson, but the Steelers might be willing to move on for some other alternatives. These six potential replacements Pittsburgh could pursue would surely stir up controversy among the fanbase.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
If the Steelers are willing to let Wilson walk in free agency, then re-signing Justin Fields makes the most sense to be the starter next year. He has been the backup for most of this season and held a 4-2 record when he started the first six weeks of the campaign. Fields is projected to get a one-year contract worth a little under nine million bucks. He is much more affordable than Wilson will be.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
It wouldn't make a ton of sense for Pittsburgh to go from gambling money on an extension for Wilson to one with Sam Darnold. The journeyman quarterback had a big year with the Vikings, and it is hard to imagine them allowing him to leave (though his playoff fiasco could change that).
Minnesota has J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, but using the franchise tag on Darnold is still an option. The Steelers could have an interest in a younger quarterback option like Darnold, who is coming off a good season.
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
Speculation about Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers has been around ever since he was preparing to leave Green Bay. He had a disastrous tenure with the Jets and now it seems like he will either retire or be playing for another club next year. If Rodgers is willing to keep playing, then maybe Pittsburgh could have interest. The future Hall of Fame quarterback is getting older, but maybe another year removed from injury will do him some good.
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Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins got benched less than one year into his massive contract in favor of Michael Penix Jr. It seems like a divorce between Cousins and the Falcons is imminent depending on if a team is willing to take on his contract. The Steelers would be foolish to not force Atlanta into paying some of his money. Cousins should be healthier this time around and wouldn't cost much in a possible trade.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
Right now, the Saints are $51 million over the NFL's salary cap. They will have to do a lot of work to get under the ceiling. Derek Carr is someone who would save them around $30 million if he is let go after June 1. The Steelers could be looking for a veteran guy who is willing to push the ball downfield with some mobility. Carr isn't a perfect fit for Pittsburgh, but he is someone who fits the bill.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Arizona moving Kyler Murray would probably be a mistake, but they could be looking for a fresh start. Acquiring the mobile signal caller would likely cost a pretty penny on the trade market, plus his contract isn't the cheapest thing to deal with. If Pittsburgh wants to make a significant pop at the quarterback position, then landing Murray via trade could help solve their issues for a significant time.