The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a difficult spot as they look to the future of the quarterback position. Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers still hasn’t made a decision. In turn, the Steelers are continually deciding among experienced talent and exciting up-and-comers. The team just reconnected with Mason Rudolph and signed him to a two-year deal. They acquired Skylar Thompson from the Dolphins, adding a ton of valuable depth to their quarterback room. This is the biggest test yet for the Steelers. With few options on the open market for available veteran quarterbacks and no second-round pick due to the DK Metcalf trade, the Seahawks must get creative in finding their starting quarterback for next season.
Steelers' Quarterback Room
The Steelers have chosen to bring back Mason Rudolph on a two-year deal. This trade provides them with a quarterback, a player with precious starting experience. Rudolph, who has been with the Steelers since 2018, is familiar with the team's offensive system and brings a level of continuity to the position. Rudolph isn’t the only reason for added competition in the QB room. Rookie Skylar Thompson provides further intrigue to this position battle. A former Miami Dolphins second-rounder, Thompson is hoping to earn himself a consistent role with Pittsburgh. He’ll add a new, exciting element to their quarterback room.
In the interim, no quarterback market is hotter than the one already swept by rival Baltimore. New York Giants signed Russell Wilson to a one-year contract. This change has had the impact of leaving teams—like the Steelers—who favor veteran experienced free agents with few available. The Minnesota Vikings have committed to J.J. McCarthy as their future quarterback, further narrowing the field of available veterans.
Draft Dilemmas and Prospects
The Steelers sent their second round pick to Seattle when they traded for DK Metcalf. This puts them in a tough position to be able to attract any elite quarterback prospect. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe actually might be the most intriguing talent they’d have a shot at. Milroe's recent pro day showcased his potential, and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was seen dining with him ahead of the event, hinting at Pittsburgh's interest.
However, draft analyst Kiper highlighted a significant hurdle:
"Second-round probably for Jalen Milroe. But [the Steelers] don't have a two, so if you don't pull the trigger in the first round, you've got to wait until the third round, unless you move up."
If they want a specific target at 32 overall, the Steelers will again need to trade up into the second round. Otherwise, they can hope for their late third-round pick. Or they may choose to pursue other options such as Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart or Louisville’s Tyler Shough. Both quarterbacks would be intriguing options and could definitely push Rudolph for the starting job if selected.
Exploring Trade Scenarios
The big wild card with Aaron Rodgers, which makes the Steelers’ situation even murkier. As his decision drags deeper into the offseason, Pittsburgh needs to be on high alert and prepared to employ Plan B if necessary. Another is to engineer a grand slam deal. This would enable us to leapfrog quarterback-needy teams such as the Titans and Giants picking at the top of the draft.
Such an unprecedented move would require careful planning and negotiation but could position the Steelers to secure their desired talent before other teams make their selections. This strategy provides them a well-defined path to address their quarterback needs directly. It keeps them in the AFC North race.
The Steelers are testing out prominent strategies. Perhaps they roll the dice on a developmental prospect in the mid-or late-rounds of the draft. This method would let them deepen their roster quite a bit while giving some prospect time to learn and develop behind Rudolph.
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