The Pittsburgh Steelers need to find a solution to their quarterback problem. Unfortunately, a long-term fix likely doesn’t exist in free agency. At this point, it seems like Aaron Rodgers could be their target. However, analyst Nick Wright believes that would end poorly for the Steelers, imploring them to draft a quarterback.
“I think the Steelers need to take their medicine and try to draft a young quarterback and continue doing that until they finally get a quarterback,” Wright said Monday on First Things First on FS1. “Here’s what I know they shouldn’t do: rerun the Jets’ season with a better head coach. Because that’s what Aaron Rodgers would be. Look at the talent.
“On paper, look at what they’ve got there. And then a question at offensive coordinator. I promise you, if this is the team with DK and Pickens, I don’t give it until mid-October before there are some not-so-subtle shots after a two-interception Aaron Rodgers game of, ‘Yeah, we just need to make sure guys are where they need to be.'”
It’s fair to say that the Steelers need to turn to the draft to find their next franchise quarterback. However, this might not be the year to do that. Quarterback does not look like a strength of the 2025 draft. If the Steelers take a signal caller in the first round, it’s likely to blow up in their face. They could be in the same place that they were with Kenny Pickett.
This season, the Steelers might be better off with a bridge option under center. Rodgers looks like one of the best options left. It certainly isn’t ideal, but compare him to Russell Wilson last year. There shouldn’t be a huge drop-off going from Wilson to Rodgers. Rodgers might even be better than Wilson. Maybe the Steelers can win a playoff game with Rodgers.
Wright doesn’t seem to believe that will be the case, though. He’s not wrong to be skeptical. With the New York Jets, Rodgers was surrounded by talent. Despite that, they looked like one of the worst teams in the league. Rodgers also dealt with a ton of drama.
However, he was coming off a torn Achilles in 2023. Another year removed from that injury, Rodgers might look a little more like his old self. Perhaps he’ll be on his best behavior in Pittsburgh. He likely gives the Steelers a better shot at winning than a rookie.
The Steelers shouldn’t let this cycle continue much longer, though. Signing a veteran past their prime was fine last year, and it wouldn’t be terrible this year, but they need to find their next franchise quarterback. It’s tough to see them competing for a Super Bowl while quarterback is such a question mark.
