Just a day after acquiring a star wide receiver via trade, the Pittsburgh Steelers might also be closing in on a high-profile quarterback.
While the Steelers continue discussions with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields ahead of this week’s free agency period, Aaron Rodgers has also emerged as a quarterback option for Pittsburgh, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Aaron Rodgers has a psychodelic experience with ayahuasca and dissertates about butterflies
Steelers exploring a potential move for Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers are expected to meet and discuss the possibility of teaming up with four-time NFL MVP and veteran head coach Mike Tomlin, sources told Schefter.
Rodgers, 41, is set to become a free agent after the New York Jets announced last month that they would release the 10-time Pro Bowl selection following two disappointing seasons. Jets general manager Darren Mougey stated that the team would likely designate Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut.
Despite the Jets’ struggles in 2024, finishing with a 5-12 record, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns. He ranked 25th in QBR, 30th in completion percentage, and 28th in yards per attempt among qualified passers. However, his experience could provide stability for quarterback-needy teams like Pittsburgh.
Another potential solution for the Steelers would be re-signing Fields, who remains in discussions with both Pittsburgh and the Jets, sources told Schefter. New York cannot offer Fields a contract until Monday at noon (ET), giving the quarterback time to evaluate his options and assess the Jets‘ overall situation.
Steelers focusing on quarterback after major WR acquisition
Pittsburgh finished last season with a 10-7 record despite inconsistency at quarterback with Wilson and Fields. Additionally, their receiving corps lacked explosiveness and depth behind George Pickens. The Steelers addressed the latter issue on Sunday by acquiring star wide receiver DK Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
The Steelers and Metcalf also agreed to a five-year, $150 million contract, making the two-time Pro Bowl receiver one of the highest-paid wideouts in the NFL. Now, Pittsburgh must determine who will be throwing passes to Metcalf, with multiple options on the table.
Wilson and Metcalf had success together in Seattle, where Wilson served as Metcalf’s quarterback for the first three seasons of his career. Wilson, 36, threw for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns last season but struggled down the stretch. The Steelers lost their final four regular-season games before being eliminated in the AFC wild-card round.
Fields started Pittsburgh’s first six games last season while Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury, leading the team to a 4-2 record in that span. Now, as free agency approaches, the Steelers have critical decisions to make regarding their quarterback situation.
