Steelers Not Intrigued By Signing Veteran QB: "Mobility Is Important"

The Pittsburgh Steelers once again await the decision from their veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They could find themselves having to dip into the free agency pool if he decides to hang up his cleats. Pittsburgh has been quiet at the quarterback position thus far this offseason, and have lost out on some of the bigger names. They could have to settle for a lower-end free agent veteran now that they have waited past the first wave of big signings. The quarterback situation may continue to run on Band-Aid quarterbacks until the Steelers finally decide to let a young arm have a shot. 

Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Owner Art Rooney II have their work cut out for them trying to get the quarterback situation under control if Rodgers doesn't re-sign. A few options are on the table like drafting a young talent, but this year's quarterback class is considered by many to be very weak. Another option is free agency and the top names have already been picked up, like Malik Willis. The Steelers continued to wait, and lost out on Kyler Murray as well. This leaves mostly aging veterans on the table. 

On a segment during 93.7 The Fan, Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo broke down why the Steelers won't check in on one of the veteran quarterbacks available in Kirk Cousins. 

"Didn't Mike McCarthy say mobility is important? Aaron Rodgers at this point in his career is still more mobile. [Cousins] never plays on the cheap, so I don't think that's their first option," said Fittipaldo. 

The Steelers do have a solid amount of cap space this season, even after signing major free agents already. They clearly have room to take on quarterback's salary, but Cousins has been known to come at an extremely high price. Rodgers played on a relatively inexpensive deal last season, and would be in line for a similar amount if he decides to play again. By signing Cousins, the Steelers would likely commit more money towards a quarterback that would probably give similar or worse production to Rodgers. It would be a burden for Pittsburgh to overpay a veteran like Cousins. 

The Black and Gold have relied on veteran quarterbacks under center the last few seasons. Whether that was Mitch Trubisky, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or Rodgers, none of them have had much success in the Steel City. The Steelers are reluctant to commit to a young quarterback after the disaster that was Kenny Pickett. However, this has held the Steelers back from finding a franchise player that they can develop. Pittsburgh could look to the bridge quarterback strategy again this season, but cannot afford to continue putting Band-Aids on the quarterback position if they want to win a Lombardi Trophy again.

Cousins would likely provide average quarterback play to a team that has worked to improve its offensive weaponry. The Steelers could take a gamble on their young gunslinger Will Howard to potentially give Pittsburgh a chance to see what they have in their promising arm. This would give them the ability to evaluate their roster for needs like a high-end future draft pick, or if Howard works out, the next position of need. 

The Steelers Need A Decision From Rodgers ASAP

The Steelers are certainly missing out on quarterbacks that could help them remain competitive. That leaves them with just mostly vets or Howard as mentioned. The 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away and if Rodgers has committed by then, it could change their draft strategy. 

Khan and company could find themselves taking a quarterback in the draft. Either way, the Steelers need to figure out who will be under center this season as free agents fly off the wall. 

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