Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers: who makes more sense for the Steelers in 2025?
The Steelers’ options at quarterback appear to be down to Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, along with—gulp—Daniel Jones. Justin Fields intends to sign with the Jets, and Sam Darnold is also already off the theoretical board. We don’t know what the Steelers offered Fields, but reportedly they did not make any Year-2 guarantees. The Jets did, reportedly giving him $30 million guaranteed on a two-year, $40 million deal.
Pittsburgh doesn’t offer guarantees beyond the second year except for truly exceptional players, which used to mean franchise quarterbacks. They broke the mold by giving them to T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, but the point remains. With the Steelers’ choices narrowing, though, does Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers make more sense?
The Steelers obviously have familiarity with Wilson, but Rodgers is, well, Rodgers. That doesn’t quite mean what it used to mean, but he still has talent. If you look at his numbers over the last 10 games in 2024, they do look better than his season-long stat line. Remember, he was coming back from a major injury, so he had to play his way back into form.
It’s hard for Steelers fans to shake off the five-game losing streak they experienced with Wilson. It’s also hard to see Rodgers as the quarterback who beat the Steelers in the Super Bowl 15 years ago. We are talking about some of the greatest quarterbacks of their generation, but these are diminished versions of their former selves.
There are two questions that Pittsburgh must ultimately address. How do Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers fit with the Steelers’ offensive scheme, and what do they bring intangibly? Wilson is known for his leadership, but it can become overbearing. While Rodgers is known as a sort of ornery player, his relationship with his teammates is better than his reputation.
With George Pickens and DK Metcalf at wide receiver, some think Wilson makes more sense for the Steelers than Rodgers. Wilson obviously has history playing with Metcalf and played with Pickens here last year in the same offense. Rodgers, however, is also capable of capitalizing on the deep ball, and arguably has more touch.
The Steelers’ 2024 season has come to its predictably inauspicious end, with yet another one-and-done postseason for HC Mike Tomlin. The offense faltered, and the defense matched it blow for blow, leading to a 21-0 first-half deficit.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback question. Do they still believe in Russell Wilson, and/or Justin Fields, or do they want another solution? There are other major decisions to make, as well, such as what to do with George Pickens. Do you sign him to an extension, try to trade him, or let him play out his rookie contract?
The Steelers started the 2024 season 10-3, with Mike Tomlin in the Coach of the Year conversation. Wash, rinse, and repeat, and we have another late-season collapse. This may be the worst yet, a four-game losing streak presaging a one-and-done playoff “run”. Welcome to Steelers football.
