As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with a quarterback situation that has left fans, analysts, and the organization itself in a state of uncertainty. The Steelers, a franchise synonymous with stability and success, have not faced such ambiguity at the most critical position on the field since the twilight of Ben Roethlisberger’s career. With the 2024 season in the rearview mirror—a 9-8 campaign that ended with a wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills—the team’s quarterback room remains a question mark, dominated by speculation about four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers and a host of other veteran options. This 5,000-word sports news piece delves into the Steelers’ quarterback saga, examining the team’s recent history, the Rodgers rumors, alternative veteran targets, the draft strategy, and the broader implications for the franchise as it navigates the 2025 offseason.
I. Introduction: A Legacy of Stability Tested
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been a model of consistency in the NFL. Since 1969, the franchise has had just three head coaches—Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin—and has never endured a losing streak longer than five games under Tomlin’s 18-year tenure. At the quarterback position, the Steelers enjoyed remarkable stability with Terry Bradshaw in the 1970s and Ben Roethlisberger from 2004 to 2021, both of whom delivered Super Bowl victories. Roethlisberger’s retirement after the 2021 season marked the end of an era, and the team has struggled to find a long-term successor ever since.
The 2024 season saw the Steelers cycle through Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, with neither quarterback cementing himself as the answer. Wilson, who started 11 games, threw for 2,892 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, showing flashes of his Seattle Seahawks form but ultimately faltering in key moments. Fields, who went 4-2 as a starter early in the season, threw for 1,467 yards and nine touchdowns but was benched after inconsistent performances. Both quarterbacks hit free agency in 2025, and the Steelers opted to let them walk, with Fields signing a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets and Wilson inking a one-year contract with the New York Giants.
Now, as of May 10, 2025, the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart consists of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard, a sixth-round pick from Ohio State. General manager Omar Khan has repeatedly stated the team’s intention to bring four quarterbacks to training camp, leaving one spot open—and fueling rampant speculation that Aaron Rodgers, the 41-year-old free agent and future Hall of Famer, could be the final piece. This article explores the Steelers’ quarterback situation in depth, analyzing the Rodgers rumors, potential veteran alternatives, the draft strategy, and what it all means for Pittsburgh’s future in a brutally competitive AFC North.
II. The 2024 Season: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
To understand the Steelers’ current predicament, it’s essential to revisit the 2024 season, where the quarterback position was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Russell Wilson, signed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal in the 2024 offseason, was named the starter out of training camp, with head coach Mike Tomlin citing his experience and “pole position” over Fields. Wilson’s early season was marred by a calf injury, forcing Fields into the starting role for the first six games. Fields, acquired from the Chicago Bears in a trade, showed promise, leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record with efficient play—completing 66% of his passes for 1,467 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions. He also added 312 rushing yards, leveraging his elite athleticism to keep defenses off balance.
However, Fields’ inability to consistently push the ball downfield—his average air yards per attempt ranked 29th among qualified quarterbacks at 6.1—led to his benching in favor of Wilson. The veteran took over in Week 7 and started the remaining 11 games, finishing with a 5-6 record. Wilson’s deep-ball ability paired well with wide receiver George Pickens, who had 629 receiving yards on vertical routes, but his 11 interceptions and declining mobility raised concerns. The Steelers’ offense averaged just 18.6 points per game, ranking 24th in the league, and their inability to win close games—losing four contests by a touchdown or less—highlighted the need for a more reliable quarterback.
The season ended with a 31-17 wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills, where Wilson threw for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and a late interception that sealed Pittsburgh’s fate. In the locker room after the game, Wilson expressed a desire to return, saying, “I love this city, I love this team, and I’d love to be back.” Fields, meanwhile, remained noncommittal, focusing on his growth as a player. Neither quarterback would return, leaving the Steelers to reset at the position for the third consecutive offseason since Roethlisberger’s retirement.
III. The Aaron Rodgers Saga: A High-Stakes Gamble
Enter Aaron Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP whose name has dominated Steelers headlines since early March 2025. Rodgers, who spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the New York Jets, became a free agent after the Jets announced a post-June 1 release following a 5-12 campaign in 2024. Despite the Jets’ struggles, Rodgers started all 17 games in 2024, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions—a respectable stat line for a 41-year-old coming off a torn Achilles in 2023. However, his performance was marred by a lack of clutch play, with former NFL coach Jon Gruden noting on a Barstool Sports podcast that Rodgers had the ball in two-minute drills five times with a chance to win and failed to deliver each time.
The Steelers’ interest in Rodgers emerged in early March, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that the team and Rodgers were set to explore a union. On March 15, Rodgers visited Pittsburgh, spending six hours at the team’s practice facility meeting with Tomlin, Khan, team owner Art Rooney II, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The visit included a throwing session with newly acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf, whom the Steelers traded for on March 9, sending a second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks and signing Metcalf to a four-year, $132 million extension. Footage of Rodgers and Metcalf working out together surfaced on social media, fueling optimism among Steelers fans.
Throughout March and April, the Steelers remained in limbo as Rodgers weighed his options. At the NFL owners’ meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 1, Rooney offered an update, saying, “We keep hearing that he’s headed in our direction, and so that seems to indicate that all signs are positive so far.” However, Rodgers’ indecision persisted. On an April appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers said, “I’m in a different phase of my life. I’m 41 years old. To make a commitment to a team is a big thing. I am trying to be open to everything and not specifically attached to anything.” He also acknowledged off-field matters influencing his decision, adding, “I don’t think it was fair to the Steelers or anyone while I’m dealing with a lot off the field to make that commitment.”
As the 2025 NFL Draft approached, the Steelers’ actions suggested they were banking on Rodgers. They passed on quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart in the first three rounds, instead selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21 overall and Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson at No. 83. In the sixth round, they drafted Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, a developmental prospect who completed 73% of his passes for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2024. Rooney told Steelers Nation Radio during the draft, “If we draft a quarterback, it’s probably not going to be somebody who is going to start for us this year. It’s going to be somebody who is developing and may play down the road.” Howard’s selection reinforced the notion that the Steelers were preparing for Rodgers to be their 2025 starter, with Howard as a long-term project.
Yet, as of May 10, 2025, Rodgers has not signed with Pittsburgh. Reports from ESPN indicate that the Steelers still have “no clearer idea of Rodgers’ intentions” than they did before the draft. Rodgers’ prolonged indecision has drawn criticism from some quarters, with former NFL coach Jon Gruden questioning whether Rodgers can still be a difference-maker at 41, especially given his struggles in clutch situations in 2024. On the other hand, Rodgers’ pedigree—four MVP awards, a Super Bowl title, and a career 65.3% completion percentage—makes him an enticing option for a Steelers team desperate to compete in the AFC North, where Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Deshaun Watson loom as formidable opponents.
IV. The Rodgers Fit: Pros and Cons
If Rodgers does sign with the Steelers, what can the team expect? On the positive side, Rodgers brings a wealth of experience and a skill set that aligns with Pittsburgh’s current roster. The Steelers’ offense, bolstered by the addition of DK Metcalf, already features a strong vertical threat in George Pickens, who remains on the roster despite trade rumors. Pickens and Metcalf combined for 1,679 receiving yards in 2024, giving Rodgers two big-bodied receivers who excel at winning jump balls. Tight end Pat Freiermuth, who had 62 receptions for 638 yards in 2024, provides a reliable underneath option, while rookie running back Kaleb Johnson, who rushed for 1,537 yards at Iowa, adds a physical presence in the backfield.
Rodgers’ arm talent, even at 41, remains elite. In 2024, he ranked 12th among qualified quarterbacks in yards per attempt on throws 20-plus yards downfield (11.8), per Pro Football Focus, and his ability to make off-platform throws could unlock the Steelers’ passing game, which averaged just 6.5 air yards per attempt in 2024—the second-lowest in the NFL. Additionally, Rodgers’ familiarity with cold-weather environments from his 18 years in Green Bay makes him a natural fit for Pittsburgh’s late-season schedule, which includes three outdoor games in December against AFC North foes.
However, there are significant risks. Rodgers will turn 42 in December 2025, and his durability is a concern after missing nearly the entire 2023 season with a torn Achilles. His mobility, once a key part of his game, has diminished—he scrambled just 12 times for 62 yards in 2024—and the Steelers’ offensive line, which allowed 39 sacks last season, must improve to protect an aging quarterback. Moreover, Rodgers’ leadership style has been polarizing at times, with reports of tension during his Jets tenure. In Pittsburgh, where Tomlin’s locker room culture emphasizes accountability, Rodgers would need to adapt to a new dynamic.
Perhaps the biggest concern is Rodgers’ fit as a short-term solution. The Steelers have been searching for a long-term quarterback since Roethlisberger’s retirement, and Rodgers, at best, offers a one- or two-year bridge. While he could elevate the team to playoff contention in 2025—potentially pushing them past their wild-card exit from 2024—his signing would delay the inevitable need to find a franchise quarterback, either through the draft or a younger free agent.
V. Alternative Veteran Targets: A Plan B Emerges
With Rodgers’ decision still pending, the Steelers have been forced to consider other veteran options to fill their quarterback room. Khan’s commitment to bringing four quarterbacks to training camp means the team will add at least one more signal-caller before July, and several veterans remain available as of May 10, 2025. Here are three potential targets who could serve as a Plan B if Rodgers opts for retirement or another team.
A. Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, is a 32-year-old veteran with 93 career starts across stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Rams. In 2024, Wentz served as a backup for the Rams, attempting just 20 passes in one start. His career numbers—22,292 yards, 151 touchdowns, and 66 interceptions—reflect a quarterback who was once on the cusp of superstardom, nearly winning MVP in 2017 before a torn ACL derailed his trajectory.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation 2025
Wentz’s strengths include his strong arm and 6-foot-5, 237-pound frame, which allow him to stand tall in the pocket and deliver deep balls to receivers like Pickens and Metcalf. His familiarity with Arthur Smith’s offensive system—Smith was the Eagles’ tight ends coach during Wentz’s first two seasons—could ease his transition. However, Wentz’s injury history and turnover issues (seven interceptions in his last full season as a starter in 2021) make him a risky option. He’d likely serve as a high-upside backup or a bridge starter, competing with Mason Rudolph for the Week 1 job.
B. Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco, the Super Bowl XLVII MVP, is a 40-year-old veteran who has played for five teams since leaving the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. In 2024, Flacco started six games for the Indianapolis Colts, completing 65.3% of his passes for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His two wins included a 27-24 victory over the Steelers in Week 4, where he threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to manage games effectively.
Flacco’s play style mirrors Rudolph’s—both are strong-armed pocket passers with limited mobility—making him a seamless fit for the Steelers’ system. His experience in the AFC North, where he spent 11 years with the Ravens, gives him an edge in navigating the division’s physical defenses and cold-weather games. However, at 40, Flacco is a short-term option at best, and his ceiling is limited compared to Rodgers. He’d likely serve as a mentor to Will Howard while providing stability as a backup or spot starter.
C. Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins, a 36-year-old veteran with 12 years of starting experience, is a more ambitious target but comes with financial complications. Cousins, who played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, has $37.5 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract ($27.5 million in 2025 and a $10 million roster bonus in 2026). The Steelers would need the Falcons to eat a significant portion of that money to make a trade feasible, a scenario that Art Rooney II has not ruled out, per comments at the NFL owners’ meetings.
Cousins threw for 3,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2024, showing he can still lead a competitive offense. His accuracy—66.7% career completion percentage—and ability to distribute the ball to multiple receivers would complement the Steelers’ weapons. However, his lack of mobility and struggles under pressure (47 sacks taken in 2023 with the Vikings) could be problematic behind Pittsburgh’s offensive line. If the Steelers can navigate the financial hurdles, Cousins could provide a two-year bridge while Howard develops, offering a higher floor than Wentz or Flacco.
VI. The Draft Strategy: A Missed Opportunity?
The Steelers’ approach to the 2025 NFL Draft has been a point of contention among fans and analysts, particularly regarding their decision to pass on a quarterback until the sixth round. The 2025 quarterback class was considered underwhelming compared to 2024, which produced stars like Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams, but several prospects were available when the Steelers were on the clock at No. 21 overall and No. 83 in the third round.
Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado quarterback once projected as a top-five pick, was available at both spots but slid out of the first three rounds due to concerns about his processing speed and struggles against pressure (41 sacks taken in 2024). Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, a mobile quarterback with a strong arm, was also on the board at No. 21 but was taken by the New York Giants at No. 25. The Steelers instead prioritized defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who had 52 pressures at Oregon in 2024, and running back Kaleb Johnson, addressing immediate needs on the defensive line and in the backfield after losing Najee Harris to the Chargers in free agency.
The decision to draft Will Howard in the sixth round (No. 185 overall) was met with mixed reactions. Howard, who helped Ohio State go 14-2 in 2024, has a high completion percentage (73%) and a strong frame (6-foot-4, 237 pounds), but his 10 interceptions and tendency to lock onto his first read make him a developmental prospect rather than an immediate starter. Howard expressed enthusiasm about joining the Steelers, saying in a post-draft interview, “It’s not about playing right away, it’s about getting better and learning. I go all-in, and I have every expectation that this next step with the Pittsburgh Steelers is going to be amazing for me.”
Critics argue that the Steelers missed an opportunity to secure a potential franchise quarterback by passing on Sanders or Dart. The team’s actions suggest they are banking on Rodgers or another veteran to lead the team in 2025, with Howard as a long-term project. However, this strategy carries risks—if Rodgers doesn’t sign, the Steelers could be left with a patchwork quarterback room, relying on Rudolph, Thompson, and Howard to compete in a division with Jackson, Burrow, and Watson.
VII. The Current Depth Chart: A Thin Lineup
As of May 10, 2025, the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart is as follows:
- Mason Rudolph: The 29-year-old re-signed with the Steelers in March 2025 on a two-year, $8 million deal. Rudolph has a history with the team, going 5-3 as a starter in 2019 and leading Pittsburgh to a three-game winning streak in 2023 to close the regular season. His 2024 stint with the Tennessee Titans was unremarkable—219 yards and an interception in a Week 12 loss to the Steelers—but his familiarity with the system makes him a viable bridge option. Rudolph’s strengths include his big arm and willingness to take shots downfield, but his lack of mobility and inconsistent decision-making limit his ceiling.
- Skylar Thompson: A 2022 seventh-round pick by the Miami Dolphins, Thompson signed a futures contract with the Steelers in January 2025. He has limited NFL experience, starting four games across three seasons with the Dolphins, including a playoff start in 2022. Thompson’s career stats—614 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions—reflect a backup-caliber player with decent accuracy (60.1% completion percentage) but little upside. He’s likely the QB3 heading into camp.
- Will Howard: The rookie sixth-round pick brings size and arm strength to the table, but his inexperience and need for refinement make him a long-term project. Howard’s college production at Ohio State was impressive, but his 10 interceptions and reliance on a talented supporting cast raise questions about his NFL readiness. He’ll likely spend 2025 learning behind a veteran, whether that’s Rodgers or another signing.
This depth chart, while functional, lacks a clear QB1 capable of leading the Steelers to a deep playoff run. Rudolph’s 74.3% completion percentage and 118.0 passer rating in his 2023 starts are encouraging, but his small sample size and lack of elite traits make him a stopgap at best. The Steelers’ pursuit of Rodgers—or another veteran—underscores the need for a more established presence under center.
VIII. The Broader Implications: A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Steelers’ quarterback situation in 2025 has far-reaching implications for the franchise, both in the short term and the long term. In the immediate future, the team’s ability to compete in the AFC North hinges on finding a quarterback who can elevate an otherwise talented roster. The Steelers’ defense, which ranked 8th in yards allowed (312.4 per game) in 2024, returns key pieces like T.J. Watt (12.5 sacks), Minkah Fitzpatrick, and rookie Derrick Harmon, who should bolster the interior line. Offensively, the addition of DK Metcalf and the emergence of Pat Freiermuth give the team a strong foundation, but the offense’s ceiling is capped without a reliable quarterback.
If Rodgers signs, the Steelers could realistically target 11 wins and a wild-card spot in 2025. Their schedule includes a favorable early stretch—games against the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants in the first five weeks—but the back half is brutal, with all six AFC North games crammed into the final nine weeks, including two matchups against the Baltimore Ravens, who went 12-5 in 2024. Rodgers’ experience and arm talent could make the difference in close games, potentially pushing Pittsburgh past its 2024 wild-card exit.
However, a Rodgers signing would only delay the inevitable need to find a long-term solution. The Steelers have not drafted a quarterback in the first round since Roethlisberger in 2004, and their reluctance to do so in 2025—despite the availability of Sanders and Dart—suggests a lack of conviction in this year’s class. The 2026 draft, projected to be richer in quarterback talent with prospects like Texas’ Arch Manning and USC’s Miller Moss, could be the Steelers’ best chance to find a franchise cornerstone. In the meantime, a bridge quarterback like Rodgers, Wentz, or Cousins could keep the team competitive while Howard develops.
The fanbase, known for its passionate support, has expressed mixed feelings about the quarterback situation. Posts on X reflect a divide—some fans are excited about the possibility of Rodgers leading the team to a Super Bowl, while others worry about the lack of a long-term plan, with one user writing, “Rodgers at 42 isn’t the answer. We need a young QB to build around, not another rental.” The uncertainty has also drawn criticism from analysts, with some questioning whether the Steelers are repeating the mistakes of 2024 by prioritizing short-term fixes over a sustainable solution.
IX. The Path Forward: Scenarios for 2025
As the Steelers approach the 2025 season, three primary scenarios emerge for their quarterback situation:
A. Scenario 1: Rodgers Signs and Starts
If Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh in the coming weeks, as many expect, he’ll likely be named the Week 1 starter, with Rudolph as the backup and Howard as the developmental QB3. Rodgers’ presence would elevate the Steelers’ ceiling, potentially making them a 10- or 11-win team and a wild-card contender. However, his age and injury history mean the team must prepare for the possibility of Rudolph or Howard stepping in midseason. This scenario buys the Steelers time to target a franchise quarterback in 2026 while maximizing their 2025 roster.
B. Scenario 2: Rodgers Declines, and a Veteran Steps In
If Rodgers opts for retirement or another team—rumors of a potential reunion with the Minnesota Vikings have persisted despite their selection of J.J. McCarthy—the Steelers would likely turn to a veteran like Wentz, Flacco, or Cousins. Rudolph would compete for the starting job, but his ceiling as a long-term starter is limited. This scenario likely results in a 9-8 or 8-9 season, with the Steelers fighting for a wild-card spot but lacking the firepower to compete with the AFC North’s elite. The focus would shift to the 2026 draft, where the team could use additional compensatory picks (projected from their 2025 free-agent losses) to move up for a top quarterback prospect.
C. Scenario 3: Rudolph Starts, Howard Develops
In the least likely scenario, the Steelers fail to sign a veteran and enter the season with Rudolph as the starter, Thompson as the backup, and Howard as the QB3. This approach would signal a focus on development over immediate contention, a risky move for a team with a playoff-caliber defense and an aging core (T.J. Watt turns 31 in 2025). The Steelers would likely struggle to a 7-10 or 6-11 record, missing the playoffs and prompting a major reset in 2026, both at quarterback and potentially in the front office.
X. Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation in 2025 is a microcosm of the challenges facing a storied franchise in transition. The team’s pursuit of Aaron Rodgers reflects a desire to remain competitive in the short term, leveraging a talented roster to make a playoff push. However, Rodgers’ indecision—coupled with the Steelers’ reluctance to draft a quarterback early in 2025—underscores the lack of a long-term plan, a glaring issue for a team that has cycled through quarterbacks since Roethlisberger’s retirement.
As of May 10, 2025, the Steelers remain in limbo, waiting for Rodgers to make his decision while exploring veteran alternatives like Wentz, Flacco, and Cousins. The fanbase, hungry for a return to Super Bowl contention, watches anxiously, torn between the allure of a Rodgers-led renaissance and the need for a sustainable future. Whatever the outcome, the 2025 season will be a defining moment for the Steelers—a chance to reclaim their place among the AFC’s elite or a stark reminder of the challenges of life after a franchise quarterback.
The AFC North looms as a gauntlet, with the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns all boasting established quarterbacks and playoff aspirations. For the Steelers to compete, they’ll need clarity at the quarterback position, whether it’s Rodgers, a veteran stopgap, or an unexpected rise from Rudolph or Howard. Until then, the Steel City waits, hoping that the next chapter in its storied history brings a return to glory rather than another year of uncertainty.