The Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers finally made the worst kept secret in football an official matter of business this week when the veteran quarterback signed with the team. Pittsburgh had one of the more questionable quarterback situations in the AFC before the deal that now provides at least some temporary stability.
Temporary is the key word here because the Steelers have struggled to settle on a bona fide franchise centerpiece since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. Rogers takes the reins this time for 2025 but the Steelers again failed in that conquest this offseason.
Rodgers will be gone after this season, leaving the Steelers in the same predicament. A better quarterback class projected in next year's draft could point them in the right direction.
However, one analyst believes their next franchise quarterback may already be in the league. ESPN's Kevin Clark urged last week on "NFL Live" that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson could be in play when the Steelers are forced into another quarterback decision a year from now.
“I’ve never seen anybody more destined to be in the 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback competition than Anthony Richardson, because I’m looking at this and I’m seeing a training camp where Daniel Jones will probably start with the ones... He’s going to get a good start somewhere else.”
Clark's belief comes under the premise that the Colts are not willing to wait on him to put the pieces together. Injuries have plagued his young career and another shoulder injury has befallen him this offseason.
If Daniel Jones proves capable, it's likely the Colts ride the hot hand and look for on off ramp on Richardson. However, the Steelers should not be the team ready to provide it.
The Steelers need-long term stability under center. Richardson's track record to this point screams the opposite. While he has a fascinating collection of physical gifts, he is no generational quarterback talent and the injuries worsen his case.
Pittsburgh's addition of Rodgers and Tomlin's own history of coaching winning teams puts their positioning for a future quarterback in question as it pertains to next year's draft.
Anthony Richardson And The Steelers
Anthony Richardson And The Steelers
By Tony Fisher
However, sitting and selecting a rookie play caller or moving up the draft board would appear the far better option for the franchise's future than continuing this cycle of deploying quarterbacks with major baggage.