The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback decision appears to come down to Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. While Wilson has weathered accusations of “toxic positivity”, Rodgers offers toxins of another variety. Both have at least the potential to reach the Hall of Fame, but neither still play at a Hall-of-Fame level.
That these are the Steelers’ remaining options is not ideal—Justin Fields was their first choice, and he turned down their offer, whatever it was, for the Jets. But they know they need more out of their passing game, which is why they traded for DK Metcalf. With him and George Pickens in place, the Steelers will benefit whether it’s Wilson or Rodgers.
And Mike DeFabo of The Athletic predicts it will be Aaron Rodgers for the Steelers, as he said on JR Sport Brief last night. It wasn’t the strongest declaration in the world, admittedly, but the tea leaves are talking, and they’re saying, “Ayahuasca”.
DeFabo argued that bringing back Russell Wilson would be bad for optics, fans accusing the Steelers of doing the same thing while expecting different results. Not that the alternative is much better on paper. He pointed out that the Rodgers move basically cost former Jets GM Joe Douglas his job.
“Basically, you’re choosing between two options that neither one of them you can guarantee is going to be the upgrade”, he said. “I think that [the Steelers are] going to go with Rodgers just because [it’s] a change, and ‘Maybe we’ll try something different and it’ll work’. But, inevitably, I think if you talk to me a year from now, we’re gonna be sitting here saying, ‘Which quarterback are the Steelers gonna be drafting in the first round’. I think that’s where all this is headed”.
Reportedly, Aaron Rodgers wants to play for the Steelers, which isn’t a surprise, since he has often sung the praises of their head coach, Mike Tomlin. Whenever Rodgers has played the Steelers, the two have engaged in a battle of wits. Pittsburgh emerged victorious last time, undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. picking him off twice using Tomlin’s crib notes.
Also, Gerry Dulac reported that the Steelers’ trade for Russell Wilson’s former teammate, DK Metcalf, had nothing to do with him. In fact, he went so far as to say that it’s safe to say Wilson won’t be back. Considering Fields and Sam Darnold are already spoken for, that basically leaves Rodgers for the Steelers.
It’s hard to say which Aaron Rodgers the Steelers would see in 2025 if they agree to a deal. From 2019-2021, he posted three consecutive 13-3 records but hasn’t had a winning record since. The Packers went 8-9 in his final season. He missed virtually all of the 2023 season with the Jets due to an Achilles injury, but they only went 5-12 when he returned in 2024. How much of that was due to his previous injury, and how much better might he look next season? We may have no choice but to find out.
