Steelers Named Top Fit for Free Agent Passer

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost two starting-caliber quarterbacks to free agency, and in the two months since Russell Wilson and Justin Fields departed for new homes, they haven’t been adequately replaced.

The Steelers largely sat out of free agency, returning Mason Rudolph on a two-year, $7.5 million deal that suggests he’ll be the backup quarterback. That presumed starter hasn’t yet arrived. With only sixth-round passer Will Howard in the draft, the room still feels empty, as if it's waiting for its starter to finally claim his spot atop the depth chart.

Fans and analysts alike have paired Pittsburgh with Aaron Rodgers since his exit from East Rutherford seemed inevitable. While he hasn’t signed just yet, it is abundantly clear that if Rodgers plays in 2025, it will be in Western Pennsylvania.

As such, the Steelers were named the top fit for the free agent quarterback by ESPN.

“All signs are pointing at Rodgers heading to Pittsburgh, where he will have a strong run game foundation under coordinator Arthur Smith and a play-action system that can keep the pocket firm,” Matt Bowen wrote. “The quick game will play a role here, too, given Rodgers' accelerated release time and field vision. And his No. 1 option would be newly acquired receiver DK Metcalf, who thrives at creating explosive plays.

“But with diminished mobility and declining pocket poise, Rodgers can't consistently extend or create on second-reaction plays. He's a pocket thrower at this stage of his career, and Smith's game plan should reflect that. With the Jets in 2024, Rodgers threw 28 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. His 48.0 QBR ranked 25th in the league.”

Rodgers ran his offense with the New York Jets, for better or worse. There’s reason to believe a Smith marriage could cause friction (like it did with Wilson), but several of its principles carry over well, and he’ll likely earn more pre-snap trust than his Pittsburgh predecessor.

At this point, the only other legitimate option is a trade for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. Neither move is risk-free, nor do they make the Steelers true Super Bowl contenders. But being respectable has been the hallmark of head coach Mike Tomlin’s teams, and Rodgers – for all the reasons not to sign him – fills that need.