Last offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers turned to a veteran to address their quarterback situation, bringing in Russell Wilson. Based on their actions so far this offseason, it seems like they’re taking a similar approach. Wilson is still on the market. However, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo thinks Aaron Rodgers is their best option.
In his weekly chat with The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Fitipaldo was asked if he thinks this could be one of the worst Steelers teams in recent memory.
“If they don’t sign [Aaron] Rodgers, we might see their worst team in 20 years,” Fittipaldo wrote. “Rodgers would have them in contention for a playoff berth as long as he stays healthy. I think it can be a better marriage between him and Arthur Smith than it was for Smith and Russell Wilson.”
As everyone knows by now, things got off to a hot start before a rocky finish with Wilson at the helm in 2024. Things were working when the Steelers ran the ball well and played good defense. That allowed Wilson to work within the offense, and he didn’t have to do too much. However, when things broke down toward the end of the year, Wilson proved he couldn’t make things work by himself anymore. In general, it seems like Smith and Wilson didn’t have the best marriage. Earlier in the offseason, reporting suggested a rift between the two.
It’s also worth noting that the Steelers have watched their options at QB dwindle over the past day and a half. Despite that, they haven’t been especially urgent regarding Wilson. Pittsburgh seems keen to wait for Aaron Rodgers to make his decision instead. That suggests the front office doesn’t think highly of Wilson, given how the 2024 season ended.
There are reasons to believe Aaron Rodgers is also a solid fit in Arthur Smith’s offense. If the Steelers can establish a run game next year, Rodgers could be excellent in play-action sets. He gets the ball out quickly and still understands how to read a defense well. With DK Metcalf and George Pickens out wide, he’ll certainly have talent at his disposal if signed.
With some of Pittsburgh’s key players aging, it makes sense to bring in Aaron Rodgers, who could help them win now. The Steelers clearly are fine with continuing to kick the can down the road when it comes to the most important position on the offense. One day, they might find that elusive franchise quarterback. Until then, they’ll be in situations like these. For now, there are at least some things to be optimistic about.
