The Pittsburgh Steelers have demonstrated over the past two decades that they are championship contenders with elite quarterbacks, yet capable of producing playoff-caliber teams with a variety of signal-callers. This offseason, Pittsburgh brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both of whom were considered reclamation projects. The result has been an impressive 8-2 record, securing sole possession of the AFC North through 11 weeks of the 2024 season.
Despite the success, it’s unlikely that both Wilson and Fields will remain on the roster next year—there’s even a chance neither will be back. This scenario could lead the Steelers to explore another veteran quarterback option in the offseason, with Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets emerging as a potential target.
Wendell Ferreira of A to Z Sports highlighted the Pittsburgh Steelers as the “most likely” destination for Aaron Rodgers if the New York Jets part ways with the four-time NFL MVP after this season. “This is the most likely option outside of the Jets. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are both free agents in 2025, so the Steelers will really need to look at their options,” Ferreira noted. “Maybe Wilson wants to stay, but he would certainly be much more expensive than he is now.”
Ferreira suggested that Rodgers, who initially joined the Jets seeking greater control after his tenure with the Green Bay Packers, might find Pittsburgh appealing for a different reason. Under the respected leadership of head coach Mike Tomlin, Rodgers could focus solely on being the quarterback without additional responsibilities.
The Steelers are expected to look for a long-term quarterback solution starting next offseason, as both Wilson and Rodgers are unlikely to fill that role. Wilson will turn 36 later this month, and Rodgers will be 41 in early December.
At just 25 years old, Justin Fields seemed like a potential long-term solution for the Pittsburgh Steelers at quarterback. However, despite winning 66% of his starts this season, Fields couldn’t hold off Russell Wilson for the starting job, casting doubt on his future with the franchise beyond 2024. The Steelers are on track to pick late in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, which means the top-tier quarterback prospects might be out of reach. Nevertheless, Pittsburgh remains a strong candidate to select a quarterback, although their pick may require a year of development at the professional level.
If Wilson is willing to return at a reasonable price on a short-term deal, it would address the Steelers’ quarterback concerns. If not, bringing in an affordable veteran with a proven winning history becomes a logical alternative. Jets owner Woody Johnson reportedly wanted his coaches to replace Aaron Rodgers with backup Tyrod Taylor after Week 4 due to Rodgers’ early-season performance. Rodgers, who is under contract through 2025 with a base salary of just $2.5 million next year, could be a budget-friendly target for Pittsburgh. Whether the Jets release him or if the Steelers need to explore a trade, the financial situation would likely give Pittsburgh leverage in negotiations.
