The Pittsburgh Steelers added a top-flight target when they traded for wide receiver DK Metcalf, but the team has yet to settle on a quarterback to throw him the ball.
The Steelers have reportedly been in discussions with Aaron Rodgers, whose two-year run with the New York Jets came to an official end on Wednesday with his release. Rodgers also has interest from the New York Giants, with no clear timeline on when he plans to make a decision.
That could leave the Steelers in a difficult position, some insiders warn. Pittsburgh could bring back veteran Russell Wilson if Rodgers chooses to sign elsewhere, but may need to act fast. As Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted, Wilson has also gotten interest from other teams and could be gone before the Steelers reach a decision with Rodgers.
Florio warned that the Steelers could be stuck in quarterback purgatory, as they were in 2019 following an injury to Ben Roethlisberger.
"Wilson's upcoming visits to the Browns and Giants raise the stakes for the Steelers," Florio wrote. "If Wilson signs elsewhere, the pendulum swings Rodgers's way. And if Rodgers signs elsewhere, the Steelers could be relegated to the Mason Rudolph/Duck Hodges plan."
Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com also noted there is growing pressure on the Steelers, with Wilson likely holding the upper hand in the situation.
"Wilson is starting to pressure the Steelers and other teams as he decides," Farabaugh wrote. "He will not be left without leverage if the Steelers miss out on Rodgers. The Browns already traded for Kenny Pickett as they look for competition."
Related: Aaron Rodgers Under Fire From Former Steelers Executive Over Free Agency Decision
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 10:24 PM.