Mike Tomlin's Quarterback Strategy Strong Questioned by NFL Insider Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated May 23, 2025 3:46 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a state of transition heading into the 2025-26 NFL season with question marks surrounding key positions including quarterback and wide receiver after the departure of George Pickens.

On Friday, NFL insider Bill Barnwell joined Sportscenter to share his raw thoughts on the Steelers' potential plans at the quarterback position should they not sign former Jets and Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason.

Barnwell did not sound bullish on the Steelers' chances to put their best foot forward this offseason, sounding the alarm that coach Mike Tomlin may be making things more difficult than they need to be heading toward fall camp.

Barnwell said that Tomlin and the Steelers are preparing to look at rookie QB Will Howard and Mason Rudolph as contenders for the starting job if Pittsburgh does not sign the 40-year-old Rodgers.

"(It) feels kind of like Mike Tomlin trying to up the difficulty on his winning season streak," Barnwell said about Pittsburgh potentially choosing Rudolph and Howard as their top two QBs, adding that Rodgers does not fit Pittsburgh's system, especially at 40 years old.

The Steelers are expected to field a revamped offense this season with Iowa rookie Kaleb Johnson the likely starter at running back ahead of Jaylen Warren.

Starting wide receiver and offseason pickup DK Metcalf was recently ranked the 23rd best receiver in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.

With 89 contested catches since 2019, Metcalf could be the Pittsburgh starter's best friend in 2025, whether it ends up being Rudolph, Rodgers, Howard or someone else.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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