By Adeniyi Precious 
The Steelers’ quarterback situation just got messier. The team entered the offseason hoping to solidify the position, but now they’re in an even worse spot than last year. The latest setback? Russell Wilson signing a one-year deal worth up to $21 million with the New York Giants.
Wilson’s short stint in Pittsburgh was a rollercoaster. After spending six weeks on the bench in 2024, he took over as the starter and racked up 2,482 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. But his inconsistency hurt the team down the stretch, leading to five straight losses to close out the regular season. The Steelers barely made the playoffs before getting bounced in the divisional round.
Now, with Wilson out and Justin Fields off the market (he joined the Jets), Pittsburgh is left waiting on Aaron Rodgers to decide between retirement or signing with them. It’s a risky game—if Rodgers walks away, the Steelers have no proven QB option and will be forced to rely on Mason Rudolph or take a gamble in the draft.
Steelers May Have Backed Themselves Into a Corner
Wilson leaving isn’t shocking—both sides had been hinting at a split—but the Steelers’ lack of a backup plan is concerning. They had time to secure a reliable bridge quarterback, but now they’re stuck hoping Rodgers doesn’t retire. If he does, they’ll enter the 2025 season with an even shakier QB situation than last year.
The Steelers need a solution fast. The AFC North is brutal, and heading into the season with uncertainty under center could make 2025 a long, frustrating year for Pittsburgh fans.
Rodgers to Pittsburgh Feels More Likely After Wilson’s Move
No, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t signed with the Steelers yet, but it sure feels like it’s happening soon. With Russell Wilson off to the Giants, Rodgers’ options are down to Pittsburgh or retirement.
Just last week, Rodgers was spotted visiting the Steelers’ facility, and with Wilson now officially gone, it seems like the pieces are falling into place. The 41-year-old QB took his time in free agency, but the Steelers have made it clear they want him to lead their team in 2025.
Sure, Rodgers wouldn’t be a long-term fix—he turns 42 by season’s end—but he’d still be an upgrade over what the Steelers have had in recent years. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired, Pittsburgh has cycled through Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields. None of them stuck.
Wilson played decently last season, but the Steelers had no interest in bringing him back. Now that he’s in New York, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Rodgers takes over in Pittsburgh.