The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the major players in the quarterback market during the 2025 offseason, and the organization has plenty of options, even with Matthew Stafford off the board. The most probable outcome of the Pittsburgh quarterback decision is that either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will be re-signed as the starting quarterback in 2025, however the franchise is keeping its eye on some other quarterbacks around the league.
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Steelers' Omar Khan speaks to the Pittsburgh media in 2024.
If the Steelers wanted to re-sign either Wilson or Fields, a decision should be expected before free agency begins on March 12th. If either quarterback sees a decent market in free agency, the price tag could go up, and that is something Pittsburgh must avoid. While both the in-house options have been talked about plenty, another option surfaced on Saturday that hasn't been discussed a lot. That is Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints, who could be seen as a possible cut-candidate, although New Orleans seems content moving forward with him.
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright was asked about Pittsburgh's quarterback situation on social media, and he shared that the team has been keeping tabs on Carr down in New Orleans.
"Well, there’s still a lot in play there," wrote Allbright on X. "The Rodgers domino has to fall (probably to the Giants) although they’re looking to take multiple swings so they could do Rodgers and still trade up to one. And that’s not done yet that’s not to say it won’t get done, but it’s certainly not done yet. The Steelers had their eye on the Saints situation and they wanna see if they eventually do cut Carr. If so they’re in. They’ve also been interviewing the quarterbacks here at the draft so they’re looking both ways."
The veteran quarterback makes sense as a cut-candidate, however things can change quickly. It was just a year ago that Omar Khan spoke glowingly about Kenny Pickett at the NFL Combine, and he then traded him weeks later.
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Former Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr (#4) makes a throw in Pittsburgh, PA in 2022.
The Saints have an out of Carr's contract during this offseason, and the organization could release the quarterback with only $50 million in dead cap. This is nothing compared to his combined cap hit of roughly $113 million over the next two seasons. It is understandable why the Saints may want to move on, and they will be able to do so if the franchise can trade up in the draft and select a quarterback.
New Orleans could live with the dead cap from Carr's contract if they can rely on a rookie quarterback who carries a small deal. If they feel like they can trade up, Carr can certainly hit the open market.
The veteran had most of his success with the Las Vegas Raiders, but he was released after the 2022 season. By no means has Carr been an elite quarterback throughout his career, but he has always been above average. The quarterback is a four-time Pro Bowler, and he finished third in MVP voting during the 2016 season. He probably would have won the award had he not suffered a broken leg late in the year. Carr's two seasons in New Orleans haven't been nearly as successful, however he definitely could have some more left in the tank. If he is released, the Steelers will likely be very interested in the quarterback.
AP Photo/Don Wright
Steelers' Robert Spillane (top) and Alex Highsmith (bottom) sack Raiders' Derek Carr (#4) in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers' Quarterback Decision Could Still Take Some Time
After Stafford decided he would be committing to the Los Angeles Rams and signing a new deal there on Friday, it seemed safe to assume that quarterbacks would start flying off the board around the league. Stafford was always going to be the first domino to fall, but now the Steelers are focused watching other players around the league, rather than putting in the work to re-sign Wilson or Fields. Allbright stated in his post that Pittsburgh is still watching Aaron Rodgers, and of course it is keeping an eye on the situation in New Orleans.
Nearly everyone in the fan base wants Fields to be back, but the organization is doing everything possible to dramatize what should be an easy decision.
What do you think of the Steelers having interest in Carr? Let us know in the comments below!
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