The quarterback position has become the most unstable position on the Steelers. Football requires a long-term answer that provides quality play, which Pittsburgh has not found. They have tried a quantitative approach where they witness if they can stick or not.
Conflicting reports remain out there whether Fields or Wilson will return, while others say Fields will be the starter and Wilson will be let go. Another bombshell report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network claims neither could return. The Steelers might be inclined to find an outside starter if the right situation appears.
Rapoport wrote in his article, "It’s possible another veteran quarterback becomes available that would entice the Steelers into moving on from both players. Otherwise, Pittsburgh is likely to have Wilson or Fields back on a short-term deal while also continuing to seek a long-term answer, potentially through the draft."
That leaves everyone to question, what outside quarterback options could entice the Steelers to move on from Fields and Wilson.
Steelers top free agent option: Aaron Rodgers
Honorable mention: Mason Rudolph
They won't sign someone in free agency unless it's Fields or Wilson. It is a weak crop of free agents at the position with Sam Darnold being the top player available. Signing a backup at this part of the offseason makes more sense than adding a known name.
If they decide to get bold in free agency, signing Aaron Rodgers would get folks talking.
It wouldn't be a wise maneuver for Pittsburgh to go all-in with an aging Rodgers at quarterback. It would present a deja vu moment when they signed Wilson last offseason. Rodgers is a less mobile quarterback who presents a more accurate passing option. Mike Tomlin respects Rodgers, and signing the veteran could include an addition of Davante Adams.
Steelers top trade option: Matthew Stafford
Honorable mention: Kyler Murray
Since the Rams are willing to move on from Cooper Kupp in a trade, it sounds like their star quarterback could be leaving. Matthew Stafford is reportedly annoyed with Los Angeles since they announced Kupp was on the trade block. If this is the case and both parties are heading for divorce, then the Steelers would be insane not to place some calls.
It's not impossible to imagine Pittsburgh trying to acquire both Kupp and Stafford in a deal this offseason if the situation arises. No, Stafford doesn't fit perfectly into Arthur Smith's offense, but when you have a chance to get a future Hall of Fame quarterback, you must consider it. Tomlin and company believe they are a quarterback away from a Super Bowl, so Stafford is their answer.
READ MORE: Desperate Steelers could go from one Hall of Fame-level QB to the next in 2025
Steelers top draft option: Will Howard
Honorable mention: Dillon Gabriel
The Steelers will be in trouble if they go into the draft without Fields, Wilson, or a starting option. This crop of draft prospects is weak, according to most draft evaluators. Gambling on one of these incoming rookies to stabilize your franchise would be risky. Pittsburgh should draft a player at the position, but they shouldn't expect more than a developmental backup.
Having a rookie be the starting quarterback would be a recipe for disaster.
Adding a starting option on day two of the draft has proven to be flawed in the past. The Steelers would be wise to take Will Howard between rounds two and three if they wanted a guy who could start for them. He proved this past year he can be a reliable starter with good weapons around him. Howard would require Pittsburgh to provide a tremendous supporting cast.