Ranking the Top Quarterbacks the Steelers Could Add this Offseason

The Steelers have a big problem at professional football’s most important position. As in, they don’t have one. Not really, anyway, though they did sign former Miami backup Skylar Thompson to a futures contract after the conclusion of their 2024 season. Outside of that, they literally don’t have another QB on the roster.

It’s deja vu for Steelers fans after the team already completely revamped the Quarterback room last offseason, shipping off failed experiment Kenny Pickett, signing Russell Wilson after he was released by Denver, and then trading an eventual 6th Round pick to the Chicago Bears for Justin Fields. Even 3rd string QB Kyle Allen was added via outside Free Agency.

With their three 2024 additions all once again Free Agents, Pittsburgh finds itself in a precarious spot once again where it counts the most. That said, there are plenty of intriguing options that are, or could become, available to the Steelers this offseason. Here are my favorite options for Pittsburgh heading into 2025 based on three main factors, which are:

1. Ability to win in the short-term
2. Long-term prospects
3. Cost-efficiency (draft picks, contract amount, cap hits)

With that in mind, here are my rankings:

1. TRADE FOR MATTHEW STAFFORD

AGE: 36
REASON FOR RANKING: HIGHEST IMMEDIATE CEILING
COST: HIGH

Yes it would cost a high draft pick and a decent chunk of change to figure out the contract situation, but Matt Stafford would fit Arthur Smith’s scheme impeccably and provide immediate Top 8-10 Quarterback play for at least the next 2 years. Stafford is a pro’s pro, will use the entire field, and is a proven winner. If the Steelers can make it happen, the cost would be worth it.

2. RE-SIGN JUSTIN FIELDS IN FREE AGENCY

AGE: 26
REASON FOR RANKING: BEST COMBO OF IMMEDIATE AND FUTURE UPSIDE
COST: MEDIUM-LOW

The Steelers know Fields. They saw his development this year, and they are intrigued, as they should be. Fields has flashed immense potential in his career, and he could be a real cheat code for Pittsburgh in their race to find their QB of the future who can also help them win big now with their current aging stars chasing a Super Bowl. He needs to be guaranteed a full year as the starter to show who he could be. If he proves to be the guy, it’s like winning the lottery. If he doesn’t work out, he would be a fine, inexpensive bridge QB for a high 2026 Draft Selection.

3. TRADE FOR GENO SMITH

AGE: 34
REASON FOR RANKING: WIN NOW UPSIDE AND GREAT SCHEME FIT
COST: MEDIUM

I’m higher on Geno than most in Steelers Nation. I think he’s a Top 12 QB right now, and would be an incredible fit for Smith’s scheme. Geno is on the tail end of his prime, but he’s got enough juice left to give the Steelers 2-3 really good years while they could bring along a Draft pick. Geno is a good blend of bridge QB and win-now QB.

4. SIGN SAM DARNOLD

AGE: 27
REASON FOR RANKING: FUTURE UPSIDE, MAY BE SCHEME DEPENDENT
COST: MEDIUM

The price-tag for Darnold once seemed out of reach, but the way he finished his incredible year for the Vikings may have pushed his value down into a workable range for the Steelers. I’m wary of Darnold outside of an elite offensive system like the one he flourished in under Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota. His relative youth and impressive development last season make him intriguing.

5. TRADE FOR DEREK CARR

AGE: 33
REASON FOR RANKING: MID-TIER SCHEME FIT BRIDGE QB
COST: HIGH

Carr has some impressive moments on his resume, in spite of the way things wound down in New Orleans. He’s on the tail end of his prime much like Geno Smith, and I don’t believe he’s as good a player right now, but he isn’t afraid to throw the ball anywhere on the field and he would be a solid scheme fit for Arthur Smith’s offense. Unfortunately, having to send a draft pick and pick up his contract or re-work the deal would be fairly expensive for a QB who may not be anything more than an injury prone bridge guy.

6. RE-SIGN RUSSELL WILSON

AGE: 36
REASON FOR RANKING: NOT A GREAT SCHEME FIT, NO LONG-TERM UPSIDE
COST: MEDIUM-HIGH

I’d rather almost anything other than this after the way things ended in Pittsburgh in 2024. However, we’ve seen Russ play winning football for the Steelers in this scheme. The expectations, though, for Steelers fans should not be playoff wins let alone Super Bowls under Russ, but more of a 1-year bridge before a Drafted QB steps in and gets his shot as the future of the franchise.

7. DRAFT A DAY 2 DEVELPMENTAL PROSPECT

AGE: ROOKIE
REASON FOR RANKING: DON’T LOVE THIS CLASS FOR IMMEDIATE STARTERS
COST: DAY 1 OR DAY 2 DRAFT PICK

I’m not advocating a big trade up for a Rookie QB. I don’t like the guys at the top of this class that much. However, I do like a couple of the developmental mid-round QBs in this draft, most notably 2024 National Champion QB Will Howard from OSU and Tyler Shough out of Louisville. I’d even spend a pick on Jalen Milroe, but the value would have to be right (early Day 3) and you’d have to commit to a multi-year developmental program for him. Whoever they would pick needs to have NFL traits from a size/arm talent perspective (Howard), or be transcendent at something specific (Milroe) to make it worth it in my opinion.