After what I would describe as an unceremonious exit from the 2024 playoffs, the Steelers enter the offseason with many questions, but maybe not many answers. I say 'maybe not,' simply because our three quarterbacks under contract in 2024 will be free agents when the NFL calendar for the 2025 season officially begins.
To say there is a lot of speculation surrounding the futures of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as it pertains to our desire or ability to re-sign either would be an understatement. Other quarterbacks have emerged as possible fits, but neither of the names being ballyhooed is a long-term solution.
Two names being 'tossed about' as possible replacements for Wilson and Fields are names about whom I would not necessarily be upset and are both better options than either Wilson or Fields, but that's debatable, as are most issues we discuss.
Steelers must decide who the QB will be before preparing a draft strategy
Right now, the 'brain trust' of Art Rooney II, Omar Khan, and Mike Tomlin are at a standstill concerning the 2025 draft because no one knows who will be under center when the 2025 season commences. This is no minor dilemma in which we find ourselves.
I think the aforementioned have an idea as to which quarterback to target, but. to me, it's a question that may not have an immediate answer. For example, if we re-sign Fields, we would still need a third quarterback. Will that player arrive via the draft or free agency?
If we trade for Lawrence, we will be giving up much-needed draft capital that could be better spent on players in the upcoming draft who could help us immediately. Would this be a 'two steps back, one step forward' approach?
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If we make a play for Rodgers, would this be a one-year 'stop-gap' approach and would that necessitate drafting a quarterback in the first three rounds in 2025? If that's the decision, would we feel the need to draft the next franchise quarterback this year and would that feeling cause us to reach for a quarterback?
As I stated at the outset, I think we have more questions than answers right at the moment. There is much speculation about the approach the Steelers will take in the 2025 draft, but one thing is certain, as far as I am concerned.
We must find players who can contribute. We must find players whom we can develop into solid starters. We must find players who can excel in a backup role. And we must find players who will put the team's success first and individual accolades second.
In other words, we need to draft players who are going to contribute to our ability to get past the Wild Card round and make a deep playoff run. That is easier said than done as we have proven over the last few seasons. Maybe our luck will change in 2025. Who knows?