All signs point towards Justin Fields or Russell Wilson in 2025. Although they are the favorites, don't rule out any other options. Everyone thought Kenny Pickett would be the starter going into last offseason, and we know how that story ended. The Steelers might plan to sign Wilson or Fields right now, but that could change quickly.
Despite the public outcry of their fans, those inside the Steelers organization believe they are only a piece or two away from getting out of their playoff slump. They'll continue to operate like wanna-be contenders no matter what reality is. They are still in a fairytale land where they think old-school football can return them to Super Bowl relevance.
Finding a quarterback must be on their radar as the legal tampering period of free agency starts March 10. They will have to alter course if Fields and Wilson locate new homes. A future Hall of Fame quarterback will hit the market after getting released by the New York Jets.
It appears Aaron Rodgers's new team could already be laying some breadcrumbs.
Aaron Rodgers is a realistic option for Steelers if Fields and Wilson walk
If Rodgers didn't suffer his toxic time in New York, many teams would be interested. He has a Hall of Fame resume and can still sling the football. His biggest issue remains aging and trying to gauge when his accuracy will fall off a cliff. The Steelers are used to locker-room distractions, so they might not be phased by Rodgers.
DeShon Elliott posted on Instagram earlier in February telling Rodgers to "leave his [expletive] at the retirement home." Many wrote Rodgers off as an option that Pittsburgh would welcome onto their team. Well, hold your horses, as Elliott might be changing his tune. He was posted on Instagram with Rodgers via his training center.
If they had any beef, they may have squashed it. Or maybe they are two friends just getting on each other's cases. Either way, this friendly picture shows Elliott and Rodgers are on the same page. It could be candor, or they're recruiting the veteran signal-caller to join The Black and Gold.
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In an interview with George Pickens, posted on August 4, 2024, the star receiver said his dream quarterback would be Rodgers. That had nothing to do with potential recruitment, but Pickens would sign off on this addition. His dream quarterback joining the Steelers would make the troubled star happy, but it might add more issues in the locker room.
We know the ongoing bromance between Mike Tomlin and the 20-year veteran. They have mutual respect for one another, and Rodgers has been open about his admiration for Pittsburgh's organization. If Fields and Wilson depart, they might have to bring this gun slinger onboard. They are desperate enough that they could go with Rodgers at the helm.