As Pittsburgh patiently waits for the Steelers to decide what's next at quarterback, they could find alternatives. Justin Fields and Russell Wilson remain the most likely options to become the starting quarterback next season. Don't be surprised if the club looks for external opportunities to upgrade the position if one becomes available.
There were rumors about the team calling about trade interest with the Jaguars regarding Trevor Lawrence. That got shut down quickly, but Pittsburgh might've called to see if there was another alternative. There is also trade chatter about Matthew Stafford as a potential replacement for Fields and Wilson. They have plenty of options this offseason that could produce a new starter in 2025.
After finding a starter at the position, the Steelers must fill out the depth chart.
All three of their quarterbacks from this past campaign could become free agents. One of Wilson or Fields will probably return, but Pittsburgh must find another quarterback or two beyond the starting spot. They could search the trade market if they want to search for other choices. A room of Wilson or Fields, plus a trade chip and Skylar Thompson, could suffice.
Malik Willis could be a perfect quarterback to fill Steelers depth chart
When the Steelers put a lot of pre-draft hours into the 2022 NFL Draft class, they wanted to find a franchise quarterback. Fans know the terrible story that followed after the addition of Kenny Pickett that year. It was a draft class with one of the weakest quarterback classes in NFL history. Other than Brock Purdy, it looks like most of those drafted will be nothing more than career backups.
Pittsburgh showed a lot of pre-draft interest in most quarterbacks coming out of that draft. All signs pointed to the team wanting to take Malik Willis that year. He was shooting up draft boards leading up to the event, and many thought he would get taken by the Steelers if he were still available in Round 1.
Willis fell to the third round after the Steelers chose Pickett instead. Willis didn't last long with the Tennessee Titans and was traded to the Packers for pennies on the dollar. Mike Tomlin wants mobility and a strong arm at quarterback. The long-time coach in Pittsburgh won't forget the countless hours of draft prep he did on this player.
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Having a room of Fields and Willis would provide a young spark to the position. Both could be considered draft busts, but they add a similar skillset to Pittsburgh's offense. They have strong arms and mobility. Willis started two games for the Packers this past season and didn't produce any interceptions.
If the Steelers want to trade for a backup similar to Fields's situation last year, then Willis should be their top target.