The Pittsburgh Steelers currently find themselves with one of the most underwhelming quarterback rooms in the entire NFL. Headlined by quarterback Mason Rudolph, the Steelers current situation remains a major problem heading into offseason workouts. With sixth-round draft selection Will Howard continuing create excitement and showcase some potential, many believe that the rookie will have a legitimate shot at becoming the Steelers' starting quarterback at some point during 2025 if Aaron Rodgers does not come to town.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mason Rudolph warms up before a game in Pittsburgh.
As the start of training camp continues to grow closer and no true first-string quarterback is currently on Pittsburgh's roster, the Steelers will continue to monitor both the free agency and trade markets with the hopes of acquiring veteran at the position.
With the Steelers' opponents already being knows, fans are concerned about how to compete with a question quarterback room. Pittsburgh is scheduled to take on the New York Jets in Week 1, where the Steelers will face a very familiar quarterback in Justin Fields. Fields, who signed with New York in free agency after spending the 2024 season in Pittsburgh, is expected to have a major impact on the Jets in both the passing and running games.
Despite the excitement surrounding the start of the season, the Steelers' Week 1 matchup may prove to be bittersweet for many, as Fields is a player that was beloved in Pittsburgh, and was widely expected to re-sign with the Steelers. Among the disappointed may most notably be Arthur Smith, as NFL analyst James Palmer reported that re-signing Fields was a priority for the Steelers offensive coordinator.
"Arthur Smith really wanted [Fields] to stay in Pittsburgh." Palmer stated. "He thought he could get him some playoff wins. That's what Arthur Smith thought of Justin Fields."
Smith, who is currently entering his second season as the Steelers' offensive coordinator, joined Pittsburgh's coaching staff in 2024 after spending multiple seasons as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Fields would have been a massive part to the Steelers' offense in 2025, as the former Chicago Bear plays with elite speed and can be a complete game-changer at times.
Despite an up-and-down year with the Steelers, Fields was able to hold his own during his only season in Pittsburgh, and led the team to a 4-2 record over the first six games.
With Fields officially in New York and no longer an option at quarterback for the Steelers, Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff will continue to evaluate both Rudolph and Howard at offseason activities begin. Pittsburgh may find itself picking up the aggression in the pursuit for a veteran quarterback as well, as some options remain available on the free agency market.
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Former Steeler Justin Fields throws a pass during his time in Pittsburgh.
One name that has emerged as a starting option over the past few months is the four-time MVP in Rodgers, who is entering what will more than likely be his final NFL season. He is a future Hall Of Fame quarterback who could add some much needed firepower to the Steelers' offense.
After spending the past two seasons with the New York Jets, Rodgers finds himself on the free-agent market as the top veteran option available. With Rodgers yet to make a decision, the Steelers will continue to evaluate both Rudolph and Howard as top options.
AP Photo / Adam Hunger
Steelers' top free agent target and former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers puts both his arms in the air to celebrate a big-time touchdown at home during the 2024 NFL season.
Steelers' Quarterback Room Isn't The Only Problem For The Team
With multiple questions at the quarterback position yet to be answered, the Steelers find themselves lacking depth at wide receiver as well. After trading star wideout George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers' wide receiving corps consists of DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin lll, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson.
With Metcalf establishing himself as the team's clear top option, Pittsburgh is expected to look elsewhere in hopes of acquiring a quality veteran that can add production to the Steelers' offense. With multiple big names still available as free agents, the Steelers may emerge as a front-runner for former Cowboy, Amari Cooper.
Cooper, who is currently one of the top receivers still available, would give an instant boost in production to the Steelers offense, and may prove to be a complete game-changer moving forward.
Do you think the Steelers made the right move in letting Fields walk? Let us know in the comments below!
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