NFL Analysis
3/21/25
7 min read
Steelers Quarterback Options for 2025: Who Will Start Under Center?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting to figure out what their answer is at quarterback.
After rolling into the 2024 season with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, the Steelers have no viable options to start under center in 2025. Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson signed in free agency, presumably as backups, but the Steelers have yet to make a move for a starting-caliber quarterback in free agency.
That's a bit of a surprise, considering the Steelers aren't picking at the top of the first round in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, whether it's staying patient before making a move for a veteran or taking a chance on a quarterback prospect with the 21st pick, the Steelers still have a couple of options available.
Let's take a look at a few of the most realistic quarterback options for the Steelers, along with a decision on their best path forward in 2025.
Top Steelers QB Options for 2025
Russell Wilson
Do the Steelers say, "screw it," and run it back with Russell Wilson in 2025?
After giving up major resources to trade for star receiver DK Metcalf, a reunion between the Steelers and Wilson doesn't seem that far-fetched. Metcalf and George Pickens are an elite one-two combo on the outside to push the ball vertically, and even at 36 years old, Wilson continues to be one of the best deep-ball throwers in the NFL.
In fact, Wilson's numbers when throwing 20-plus yards downfield in 2024 were still impressive. According to Pro Football Focus, Wilson posted a 122.1 passer rating on deep shots, throwing for 851 yards, seven touchdowns, and just two interceptions on go balls.
While the personnel fit makes a lot of sense for Wilson, Metcalf, and Pickens, this is unlikely to be a long-term play. Wilson is nearing the end of his NFL career, and signs of age-related regression have shown up in recent seasons, particularly with his loss of mobility to extend plays outside of the pocket.
Still, there could be members of the Steelers organization pushing for a reunion.
Jalen Milroe
If the Steelers want to take a long-term play at quarterback, then they'd be wise to take a long look at the quarterback prospects in this year's draft.
Of all the quarterbacks in this year's draft, Alabama's Jalen Milroe might make the most sense. As a true dual-threat quarterback, he has the best arm talent in the draft class and isn't shy about letting it rip. He threw 10 touchdown passes on throws 20-plus yards downfield in 2024 and was even more deadly going deep in 2023. He posted an absurd 131.1 passer rating that season on deep throws, throwing for 1,267 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just one interception.
The problem with taking a chance on Milroe is that a team will need to be patient with his development. The Alabama quarterback's throwing mechanics are still extremely raw, leading to erratic ball placement and turnover-worthy plays.
However, for a team that was willing to take a chance on Justin Fields last season, getting a more explosive version of that dual-threat quarterback could make a lot of sense in 2025.
Aaron Rodgers
At this point, no one knows what the plan is for Aaron Rodgers. However, a team that feels like it's a quarterback away from playoff contention will have a hard time passing on the 41-year-old quarterback.
It took a while for Rodgers to get back to form in 2024 after tearing his Achilles the previous season. However, by the tail end of the season, his level of play got close to his standards, even at his advanced age. In his last 10 games last season, the former New York Jets quarterback posted a 97.0 passer rating with 2,234 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.
Rodgers also has a reputation for wanting to force-feed "his guys", which could end up being beneficial if he could establish a strong connection with one or both of Metcalf and Pickens. The problem is that if one or both of those receivers butt heads with Rodgers, the entire offense could fall apart in a hurry because of the inability of the QB and receivers to get on the same page.
There's also the Arthur Smith component. His desire to run a specific scheme going against Rodgers' desire to do things his way could also lead to extra friction.
Still, in the best-case scenario, Rodgers throwing to two-star outside receivers in Metcalf and Pickens could be one of the most electric offenses in the league.
Jaxson Dart
If the Steelers want a more polished quarterback option in the draft over Milroe, then Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart would make a lot of sense.
Dart put up outstanding numbers in Lane Kiffin's offense, averaging 10.7 yards per pass attempt with 29 touchdowns and just six interceptions on the year. He wasn't shy throwing deep, either, generating 25 "big-time throws" on passes 20-plus yards downfield, tied for the fifth most in FBS.
On top of being able to go through his progressions and throw with anticipation, Dart also has some athleticism, arm talent, and off-script ability in his game. The biggest concern is whether or not Dart is the product of a very specific scheme that has found success in college and if he can play within the context of a more pro-style offense at the NFL level.
There's also a chance that Dart is off the board well before the Steelers are even on the clock, potentially forcing them to trade up to get "their guy" at the quarterback position.
Verdict
The Steelers have spent too many seasons sticking to the status quo, pushing for playoff contention only to see early postseason exits.
It's time for the Steelers to take a big swing on a player with a sky-high upside like Jalen Milroe.
While he's undoubtedly a work in progress, Milroe's upside is on the same tier as previous dual-threat playmakers like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Jayden Daniels because of his arm talent and athletic ability. His pro day reinforced that after posting an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.37 seconds.
The Steelers at least seem interested in taking the swing. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, prior to Alabama's pro day, head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan, and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth had dinner with the Crimson Tide prospect.
Milroe's arm talent to push the ball vertically pairs up beautifully with Pittsburgh's new-look receiver room, and his mobility to escape pressure and take off downfield adds an extra dimension that teams are starting to covet at the quarterback position.
It's not a sure thing, but for a team that's been stuck in limbo in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era, the Steelers need to take a swing to get out of this funk.
