The Pittsburgh Steelers lost out on Justin Fields but still have Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson to consider. Might they have opted instead for Daniel Jones, though, instead of Wilson, if Rodgers doesn’t pan out? That’s what Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer questions during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show.
“I would just say, there are some people [in the Steelers organization] that aren’t keen on the idea of having Russell Wilson back there next year”, Breer said. “Could they do it? Yes. Could those fences be mended? Yes. There’s just some stuff that happened at the end of the year where I don’t know how the Steelers are going to put their belief in that”.
With the QB spots across the #NFL drying up, what is Aaron Rodgers best option to play in 2025?#NFL #NFLFreeAgency #HereWeGo #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/JDjIrzW8LA
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) March 11, 2025
The Steelers sought out Wilson a year ago when the opportunity presented itself following his release. Because of offset language in his previous contract with the Broncos, they signed him on a Veteran Salary Benefit deal, with Denver still paying him millions of dollars.
He had a turbulent tenure in Pittsburgh, however, which increasingly sounds applicable both on and off the field. Wilson missed the Steelers’ first six games due to injury but led them to a 6-1 run. Then, the bottom fell out, and they lost their final five games. While he didn’t bear sole responsibility, Wilson made several critical mistakes that contributed to some losses.
After the season, a report surfaced claiming that the Steelers essentially hamstrung Russell Wilson, limiting his ability to control the offense. Many suspect that Wilson or his camp originated the report, which upset OC Arthur Smith.
“I’m not sure that relationship is in the best place and has been in the best place? So what does that relationship look like if they are bringing him back? I think that’s really murky”, Breer said of Wilson potentially returning to the Steelers. “I think one of their Plan Bs would’ve been Daniel Jones. … Would they have gone with Daniel Jones if the Aaron Rodgers thing fell through on Monday? I think they might have looked at that”.
The Steelers, as of this writing, continue to talk to Rodgers, who is also considering the New York Giants. The fact that they are talking to him as the seeming priority over Russell Wilson may lend credence to the notion that his relationship with the Steelers is less than great, even if not irreparable.
Would it have reached the point that they might have signed Daniel Jones (who intends to sign with the Colts) instead if they missed out on Rodgers? Might Russell Wilson have been the Steelers’ Plan D behind Justin Fields, Rodgers, and Jones?
After previously saying that it was “safe to say” Wilson is out of play for the Steelers, Gerry Dulac is now saying, basically, that he is back in play if Rodgers chooses another team. To be fair, the situation has shifted considerably since his previous comments. There really isn’t another option besides Wilson if Rodgers doesn’t sign. If it comes down to bringing him back, though, it sounds like there is work to do behind the scenes.
