The Steelers shouldn’t put all their eggs into the Aaron Rodgers basket

The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t just find themselves in the midst of a quarterback conundrum.

Not even in quarterback purgatory.

I’d go as far as saying they are in quarterback hell.

While at this time we don’t know who will be quarterbacking the offense in 2025, you would be hard-pressed to find the situation more mismanaged than what we’ve witnessed in the early phases of the 2025 NFL league year.

With the team losing out on the Justin Fields sweepstakes, there is now a dwindling number of quarterbacks even available to be the answer to the Steelers question at the most important position in professional sports. Heck, even Mac Jones has signed with the San Francisco 49ers. At this time, the options are limited:

• Aaron Rodgers (released from the New York Jets)
• Russell Wilson (free agent)
• Gardner Minshew (released from the Las Vegas Raiders)
• Mason Rudolph (free agent)
• A ton of quarterbacks who are viewed merely as back-ups

The Steelers have been patiently waiting for Rodgers to make a decision, but I have to admit the Steelers putting all their eggs into the Rodgers basket seems like a bad idea.

Before going any further, the team might have a back-up if they don’t want to wait for Rodgers longer than they feel comfortable. It might not appease the fan base’s desire to address the position, but it is expected the Atlanta Falcons will release Kirk Cousins in the coming days. If that happens, it gives the Steelers another option, and one which wouldn’t count against the ever-precious compensatory pick formula.

But if the Falcons decide to ride with Kirk as a back-up, even paying him starting quarterback money, the Steelers will be back in the mix for, well, Rodgers.

Russell Wilson’s team jumped quickly Wednesday to announce their client will be traveling to both Cleveland and New York to meet with the Browns and Giants about their quarterback vacancies. Don’t think that wasn’t intentional and to put pressure on a team like the Steelers who seems to be waiting out Rodgers and his decision-making process.

Again, waiting on Rodgers could end up rearing its ugly head at the Steelers.

Let’s run through a scenario…

If Rodgers decides he isn’t sure if he wants to play in 2025, and wants to take his time. While this is a giant red flag, the Steelers are willing to wait for the former NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion. While waiting, Wilson signs with a team, Minshew signs with a team, and even Mason Rudolph agrees to terms with another franchise.

Rodgers then decides he is not going to play in 2025, and the Steelers are left without a chair in this game of quarterback musical chairs as the music comes to a close.

What’s the result? Newly signed DK Metcalf and George Pickens will be catching passes from Drew Lock, Kyle Allen or Trey Lance.

I’m sure that will go over well, and good luck trying to convince players like Cam Heyward or T.J. Watt the team is going to be a viable contender for a Super Bowl in 2025.

To be honest, Rodgers could make a decision today, Thursday, and this becomes a moot point; however, this could also drag out. If it does, the Steelers need to prepare themselves so they aren’t without a chair when the music stops. What would that even look like? Talk with a player who would be considered a QB2 on the roster, someone like Rudolph or Allen, and get them under contract. Try to figure out if the Falcons are going to release Cousins, and get a feel for what he can do, and how much he’ll cost, if the team wants to move with him.

While Rodgers isn’t liked by most, he probably does provide them the best chance to make the postseason in 2025. But waiting around and falling prey to Rodgers process could be a death knell for the Steelers upcoming season.

Then again, maybe that’s what this organization needs is a bottoming out season to help set them up for future success?

That’s an article for another day, but the fan base continues to wait, like the Steelers, for their quarterback to be announced.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft.