The Pittsburgh Steelers have a quarterback conundrum. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields hitting free agency, the team was expected to re-sign one of their quarterbacks from the 2024 season. That's when things spiraled out of control.
When the doors broke open on the NFL's negotiation period, Minnesota Vikings free agent Sam Darnold agreed to terms on a deal with the Seattle Seahawks while Fields opted to join the New York Jets. Just like that, Pittsburgh was down to only a pair of somewhat respectable options: Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers seems to be the prize, but the Steelers are anxiously awaiting a decision from the long-time quarterback. However, Pittsburgh may not have the luxury of waiting much longer. Their fallback option at the position could sign a deal with a new team soon.
On Wednesday, just after the free agency period officially opened up, ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported that Russell Wilson is flying to Cleveland to meet with the Browns. Pittsburgh's AFC North rival needs a long-term answer at the position and Deshaun Watson won't be around much longer.
Wilson could bridge the gap at QB for the Browns, who could select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. This puts the Steelers in an even more difficult situation.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be left with free-agent quarterback scraps if Russell Wilson signs with the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns emerged out of nowhere as a potential destination for Russell Wilson. While it appears the Pittsburgh Steelers are targeting Aaron Rodgers as their top choice, there's a world where they end up with neither veteran quarterback.
Rodgers still hasn't made up his mind about his football future and retirement isn't out of the question. If Rodgers takes his name out of the running and Wilson inks a deal with the Browns, the Steelers are in serious trouble.
Outside of these two aging quarterback options, the remaining free-agent scraps are worse than you can imagine. The Steelers may be forced to a journeyman like Jameis Winston, Drew Lock, or Mac Jones for help. They may even resort to bringing back a 30-year-old Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback.
We have officially entered nightmare territory at the quarterback position, and the Pittsburgh Steelers—a team desperately hoping to compete in 2025—could wind up with one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL this season.
This is what it's come to. And the Cleveland Browns could stick it to the Steelers by signing Russell Wilson if Aaron Rodgers decides he doesn't want to come to Pittsburgh.