The Pittsburgh Steelers are still searching for their starting quarterback for next season. After bringing back Mason Rudolph as the likely backup, the Steelers have yet to lock in their QB1. They have options: re-sign Russell Wilson, pursue Aaron Rodgers, or draft a rookie in this year’s NFL Draft.
Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher clearly prefers who should lead Pittsburgh’s offense. As he looks ahead to the team’s future, he believes one quarterback gives them a better shot at success than the others.
Bill Cowher’s Pick for Pittsburgh Steelers QB
Cowher believes that continuity is the key for the Steelers’ offense, advocating for Russell Wilson to get another year at the helm. He thinks Wilson would benefit from better offensive weapons and the return of key offensive line pieces.
“I personally think that Russell Wilson is your best choice. It’s gonna be a better offensive line room with [Troy] Fautanu coming back and moving Broderick [Jones] to left tackle. I’m thinking you’re looking at the best receiving core you’re gonna have in a long time,” Cowher said about who should play quarterback for Pittsburgh next season.
Bill Cowher told Dan Patrick today that he believes Russell Wilson is the Steeler' best choice at QB in 2025: “I personally think that Russell Wilson is your best choice. It’s gonna be a better offensive line room with [Troy] Fautanu coming back and moving Broderick [Jones] to…
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 18, 2025
Wilson took over for Justin Fields last season and helped lead the Steelers to the playoffs. However, Pittsburgh fell short in the postseason, losing to division rival Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers’ offense was average throughout the season, and Wilson’s performance reflected that.
Looking ahead, the Steelers’ offense could take a big step forward with the arrival of star receiver DK Metcalf and the return of second-year lineman Fautanu. As Cowher pointed out, these changes could be the springboard for significant improvement. Metcalf — who caught 2,973 yards off Wilson’s passes in Seattle — brings a proven pass-catching presence, forming a dangerous tandem with George Pickens.
Wilson ranked 17th in PFSN’s QB+ rankings with a 75.3/C grade. His season was average, finishing in the middle of the pack. Statistically, he posted a 0.10 EPA/DB and a 40.0% third-down conversion rate. However, Wilson struggled in the fourth quarter, ranking 28th among quarterbacks, with his third-down conversion rate dropping to 38.8% in crunch time.
Despite his inconsistencies, the 10-time Pro Bowler provides stability and veteran leadership. As Cowher suggests, Wilson has Super Bowl experience and could benefit from an improved offense, making him the best option for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers won’t be the only team interested in Wilson, but they have a strong chance to bring back the quarterback who helped them reach the playoffs last season.
Is Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson the Best Pick in Pittsburgh
After most of the big offseason moves have been made, two quarterbacks remain available who stand above the rest given their past success and established pedigree. While the Steelers’ coaching staff and roster are already familiar with Wilson, they could prefer Rodgers as a short-term option.
According to Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh is not budging on its stipulation that they bring in the former New York Jets QB on nothing more than a one-year deal. Rodgers, who is a four-time NFL MVP, was not his prime self, but he still recorded a QB+ grade of 72.2, trailing Wilson by nearly three points.
While it is still possible that the former MVP could recapture his form and improve an offense (which he did in New York to a degree), his future remains uncertain, with retirement still a possibility.
However, the debate on who is the better option in 2025 is ongoing, with NFL media and analysts split down the middle. Some reports have indicated that Rodgers is Pittsburgh’s top option, holding the rest of the market back from falling into place. However, he seems to be in no hurry to get a deal done.
“I don’t get the sense that Rodgers is in any kind of hurry at all,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said. “Could it drag out all the way to the draft like it did two years ago? Maybe it could.”
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: Two years ago, we all were still talking about Aaron Rodgers during NFL Draft week. Could history repeat itself? pic.twitter.com/Wg932uKNOv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2025
One Pittsburgh star defender does not want to wait around and find out, though. Defensive tackle Cam Heyward chimed in on the loitering on the “Not Just Football” podcast, critiquing the lackadaisical approach from the former Green Bay star.
“I ain’t doing that darkness retreat. I don’t need any of that crap,” Heyward said. “Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. That’s simple, that’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers — if you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back.”
Steelers DL Cameron Heyward is tired of the Aaron Rodgers watch.
“I ain’t doing that darkness retreat. I don’t need any of that crap. Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t.“
🎥@NotJustFootball podcast. pic.twitter.com/vviBkDQqRR
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) March 18, 2025
To one NFL media personality and analyst though, the entire discussion is a moot point. Colin Cowherd raised some eyebrows with his indifference toward the comparison on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” saying that ultimately they have been comparable under center in the last few years.
“For years and years, it was understood that Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers — they weren’t really into each other and they were opposites,” Cowherd said. “… Since 2022, they are identical quarterbacks. Wins-losses, completion percentage, touchdowns, passer rating — same guy. No playoff wins since 2022.”
"Since 2022, they are IDENTICAL quarterbacks"@ColinCowherd on the converging career paths of Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson pic.twitter.com/4oJpffM9mk
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 17, 2025