The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback storyline this past year was exhausting. From their failed targets in free agency to speculation that they would take one early in the draft, it seemed like they were never going to get clarity at the position.
After months of waiting, though, it seems as though the room is settled. Aaron Rodgers will be the starter with Mason Rudolph behind him. Will Howard and Skylar Thompson, meanwhile, will duke it out for the backup spot.
However, it looks like the Steelers may have missed out on Daniel Jones.
While Jones has been the butt of many jokes as a failed first round quarterback who the Giants then doubled down on with a horrible contract, he seems to have found some footing with the Colts. With Anthony Richardson sidelined this Spring, Jones has taken advantage of the opportunity.
Younger with more long-term upside, Jones signed for a nearly identical price as Aaron Rodgers. One has to think that the Steelers are kicking themselves right now.
Daniel Jones could have been the next QB reclamation project for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite the obvious issues in his game, I actually liked Jones as a fit for this offense. Arthur Smith doesn’t expect his quarterbacks to do much, and his added mobility is a plus trait in this scheme.
His price tag was a little higher than I thought it would come in at, but it is clear that the Colts viewed him as a direct threat to Richardson’s starting job. Heck, he may have already won the starting role for 2025.
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Is Jones a clear upgrade over Rodgers? No, but he has the potential to outplay his deal. He is only 28, and we have seen numerous failed quarterbacks rebrand themselves once they find the right fit later in their careers.
It would be one thing if Rodgers suddenly tipped the Steelers into the Super Bowl conversation, but he doesn’t. Jones wouldn’t have either, but you at least have the chance to see him grow as other similar busts have in recent years.
At a bare minimum, he was a far better scheme fit for Smith’s offense.
Ultimately, it likely isn’t a huge deal that the team got Rodgers instead of Jones. Neither makes this team an elite unit, and I am skeptical of how good Jones can be long-term. That said, given the drama that came with the Rodgers signing and how positive Jones has looked so far, this may be a move that Pittsburgh regrets this season.