Steelers have emerging problem as organization continues to get declined by top free agents

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most historic organizations in the NFL. Pair that fact with head coach Mike Tomlin, and the Steelers have a pretty large pull when it comes to free agents. 

This was seen during the 2024 offseason when Pittsburgh signed DeShon Elliott. When he was asked why he chose Pittsburgh during his introductory news conference, he turned around and pointed at the logo. This allure of the organization is seemingly fading away, as players are choosing inferior franchises over the Steelers in 2025.

Pittsburgh needs a quarterback for the 2025 season, and the organization made a push to re-sign Justin Fields. Fields instead chose to agree to terms on a two-year deal with the New York Jets, and it seems like the Jets offered more money than Pittsburgh. 

Another quarterback who passed up on the Steelers was Sam Darnold. The Steelers gave the quarterback an offer, according to Chase Daniel, but he chose to agree to a deal with the Seattle Seahawks. Daniel spoke about Darnold and the Steelers during an episode of "The Facility" on FS1.

"The Steelers offered him, and I don't think it was as much as this," Daniel said. "In fact, I know it wasn't as much as this. You got way more in Pittsburgh offensively. You had a bad offensive line, about the same as Seattle, and then you get offered this money in Seattle. Why did he go to Seattle? People are forgetting that it's the same exact offense as Kevin O'Connell, Klint Kubiak's the OC. He was with Sam Darnold in 2023 with the 49ers. So he felt more comfortable with that offensive coordinator and play-caller rather than going to an Arthur Smith-style offense with Pittsburgh's playmakers, even though they have more playmakers, 'cause he felt more comfortable with the offense that they run."

A big factor in Darnold deciding to go to Seattle over Pittsburgh was the kind of offense that is run, and his familiarity with the offensive coordinator. Those are two important things for a quarterback, but there was a time when players wanted to suit up for the black and gold and be a Steeler. That time has likely gone after another year of mediocrity and zero success, which is a tough wake-up call as Pittsburgh is still searching for a quarterback.

It is known that both Fields and Darnold got offered to play in Pittsburgh, and both quarterbacks passed up the opportunity. However, it is not just players who are doing this. The Steelers also lost inside linebackers coach Aaron Curry as he left the organization to go to the Jets as well. The Steelers organization needs to open its wallet a little to land players and retain talent, as no one is taking less to play for Tomlin in Pittsburgh.

Steelers Could Lose Out On Another Quarterback

With Fields and Darnold off the board, the top option for the Steelers at quarterback is likely Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is near the end of his career, and there is a high likelihood that the 2025 season will be his last. 

This certainly amplifies the decision of where to play for the quarterback, and he seems to be deciding between the Steelers and the New York Giants. The Giants are also a historic organization in the NFL, but it would be embarrassing if Pittsburgh lost out on Rodgers because of the Giants.

The Giants have been one of the worst teams in the league over the last decade, although they have won a playoff game more recently than the Steelers. Regardless, Pittsburgh seems like the obvious choice for Rodgers if the veteran has the desire to win at the end of his career.