There weren't many enticing quarterback options in free agency for the Pittsburgh Steelers to pick from, but they made the right choice. Waiting on Aaron Rodgers to return as their starter has turned out to be the best course of action they could've taken this past offseason. Going after Malik Willis in free agency, as many clamored for, would've turned out to be a failure for the organization.
Back at the start of free agency, Willis was one of the top quarterbacks available. Pittsburgh was a clear landing spot for him, but luckily for the Steelers, they had Aaron Rodgers waiting in the wings. Willis signed a massive three-year, $67.5 million contract to join the Miami Dolphins after only starting six NFL games to that point.
Things have gone from bad to worse for the Dolphins this season, while the Steelers are working their way into contention.
The Black and Gold are not without their warts with Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback, but it's clear they made the right call this past offseason. Waiting on Rodgers with three other signal callers on their roster was the best move. Signing Willis to a contract similar to what Miami gave him would've been a poor decision. This season is showing that bringing Rodgers's back was the best option.
Pittsburgh Steelers going with Aaron Rodgers over Malik Willis at QB was the right choice
A lot can change over a full season, but Pittsburgh should be thankful that Willis didn't sign with the organization. Instead of being saddled with a three-year contract that he received, the Steelers will have Aaron Rodgers' cap hit off their books come this offseason.
Yes, they still have an uncertain future at the most important position in football, but at least they will have financial freedom to address it.
The Dolphins are so bad this season that they could be looking for another quarterback next year. Willis has been a rough watch. He constantly misses throws and makes decisions that would even look bad for a rookie. Through five winless starts to begin the campaign, Willis has two passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, 1,035 total yards, and has accounted for a whopping seven turnovers.
In comparison, Aaron Rodgers is clearly the safer quarterback this season. The Steelers made the best decision to get their team in contention for a playoff spot with the aging wonder coming back for his final year before retirement. Although he hasn't been perfect, Rodgers has won three out of his five starts, thrown for 1,234 yards, thrown 10 touchdown passes, and turned the ball over five times.
Maybe it's not completely fair to directly compare Rodgers to Willis, as the Dolphins have a weaker roster, but it's clear Rodgers is playing better.
At least the Steelers only have to pay the future Hall of Famer for the remainder of the season rather than what Miami will have to go through. Going after Malik Willis made sense on paper this past offseason, but Pittsburgh is breathing a sigh of relief they didn't land him.
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