The Pittsburgh Steelers ended the 2024 season with two potential starting quarterbacks on their roster. Now, with the 2025 NFL Draft just over a month away, they currently have none.
Pittsburgh has reportedly made an offer to four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, but they face competition from at least one other team for his signature.
On “The Facility,” former NFL players James Jones and Chase Daniel disagreed on whether the Steelers need Rodgers, but both agreed that the organization has mishandled the quarterback situation this offseason.
From Two Quarterbacks to None: Steelers’ QB Predicament
With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, the Steelers had two possible starters in 2025, both with something to prove.
For Fields, it was a chance to prove himself as a starting-caliber NFL quarterback after an inconsistent tenure with the Chicago Bears. For Wilson, Pittsburgh provided an opportunity to rebuild his reputation after being released by the Denver Broncos.
Wilson began the season injured, giving Fields a shot to shine. The former Bear threw five passing touchdowns and rushed for five more, leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record. His single interception showcased a more disciplined version of his game, but six fumbles in six games raised concerns.
Wilson took over in Week 7, starting every remaining game. He threw 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 starts, while also adding two rushing touchdowns. However, his five-game losing streak to end the season overshadowed his strong start.
Now, with Fields gone after signing with the New York Jets, the Steelers face the prospect of being left without a starter.
As Rodgers decides between Pittsburgh and the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns have expressed interest in Wilson, potentially leaving Pittsburgh in a difficult spot.
‘The Facility’ Hosts Disagree on Steelers’ Handling of Aaron Rodgers
While the Steelers wait for Rodgers’ decision, two former players debated whether the team truly needs him.
Jones, a former Green Bay Packers receiver and Rodgers’ former teammate, argued that Pittsburgh has no choice but to sign him.
“Yep, [Mike Tomlin] needs him, and he has to wait on him,” Jones said. “He put himself in this situation. You tried to go after Justin Fields, you didn’t get him, you tried to go after Sam Darnold, you didn’t get him. You let Russ know, clear, in his face, without letting Russ know, clear, in his face, that ‘we don’t want you.'”
"Mike Tomlin needs Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers put themselves in this situation."
— @89JonesNTAF pic.twitter.com/U9ekNORC3B
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) March 14, 2025
Jones further stated that Rodgers is the Steelers’ only hope if they want to compete in 2025, adding that the team’s top stars expect them to bring in a capable quarterback.
“The Steelers need Aaron Rodgers because Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have put themselves in this situation, with the way they handled the quarterback situation this free agency.”
However, Daniel, Jones’ cohost, disagreed and argued that the Steelers should forget about Rodgers entirely.
In a wild take, Daniel suggested the team should sign Jameis Winston or Joe Flacco for 2025 and draft a young quarterback.
“I don’t think anyone, in their career right now, needs Aaron Rodgers, including the Steelers.”
Daniel then presented a controversial solution: “If they don’t end up getting Aaron Rodgers, they need to sign Jameis Winston or Joe Flacco and say ‘Hey, we can probably get to .500 with that play.’ You need to draft Jaxson Dart at 21.”
“I don’t think anyone right now needs Aaron Rodgers, including the Steelers.” 👀
— @ChaseDaniel pic.twitter.com/uUh626IyPy
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) March 14, 2025
Daniel did agree with Jones on one point — Pittsburgh only has itself to blame for being in this situation.
“And that’s, sort of, the situation they’ve gotten themselves into.”
Steelers Are Running Out of QB Options if Rodgers Chases Money
If Rodgers is fully committed, he could lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl run with the right pieces around him. However, if Rodgers is more interested in chasing money with the Giants, Pittsburgh might be better off without him.
The Steelers’ indecisiveness during free agency and their handling of both Fields and Wilson has left them scrambling for answers.
After benching Fields despite a 4-2 start, the team had no shot at convincing him to stay for 2025. Meanwhile, by keeping Wilson in limbo while pursuing other quarterbacks, they may have alienated him as well.
If Rodgers chooses the Giants, Pittsburgh’s only choice may be to follow Daniel’s advice—sign a short-term veteran and draft their next franchise QB.