Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Cousins potentially. Trade for Milton and he competes with Rudy. Richardson trade potentially. But everything points to Rodgers and if he does something dumb or takes too long, then Russ if he has a handshake w Tomlin.
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*** 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers: Starting QB? TBD later (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter Godsbrother
- Start date
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
He really didn't though. He was good in 1 game. He was terrible against Baltimore and in the playoffs. Throughout his career he has taken tooo long to throw the ball, and is still throwing short and somehow still putting the ball in harms way. He is a statue and will hurt Smith's running attack.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
This team is old. They are maybe now out of the window for all of their star players.
karl.Racki
Footballguy
He never played Baltimore in the playoffs... Buffalo and I don't think he was the bad. Steelers were double digits dogs and were down 7 in the 4th.
I am not saying Rudolph is Johnny U, but what this team is going to do next season, why would you pay big money for a 40 year old that has stunk that last 2 years and is past his prime? I rather start someone like Rudolph and get a higher pick and maybe draft Arch Manning.
Drunken Cowboy
Footballguy
Baltimore was the last game of the regular season and he was bad. I am not happy with the whole offseason, but you can't role out with Rudolph. The rest of the roster is good enough they would still win 8 or 9 games and not get a QB next year.
WFan claims that Mike Tomlin is pushing for Aaron Rodgers, but I’d caution him to be careful what he wishes for. We’ve seen how these moves can backfire. Russell Wilson’s stint in Denver was a disaster, and Aaron Rodgers’ time in New York didn’t pan out either. Even when Pittsburgh brought in Russell, who was younger, it didn’t work out. Now, considering a 42-year-old quarterback well past his prime seems like an unnecessary risk. It’s hard to understand what Mike is thinking here.
Blick
Footballguy
He probably knows he’s screwed and drinking heavily.
pghrob
Footballguy
And use the money saved elsewhere to bring in better players wherever needed.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
This off season wreaks of desperation at QB
Letting Rodgers hold you hostage before he even decides is embarrassing
Letting Rodgers hold you hostage before he even decides is embarrassing
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Kirk Cousins may be one of the few QBs out there who move around worse than A-A-ron.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
If Mikey T is doing an about face on QB mobility (and it sure seems like he is) just embrace it on the cheap: Flacco and Mason toothbrush duel in Latrobe for "pole position", bay-bee! 
Grid71
Footballguy
Does anyone think the Steelers would spend a first round pick on RB again this year?
DL is crucial for many reasons. WR too if Pickens gets traded.
But I get a nagging feeling the pick could be Henderson or Hampton assuming Jeanty is gone.
I know some people say Tomlin wants Chubb but after the injury at his age…
DL is crucial for many reasons. WR too if Pickens gets traded.
But I get a nagging feeling the pick could be Henderson or Hampton assuming Jeanty is gone.
- RB is the focal point of Smith’s offense
- shiny new OL better at run than pass pro
- Warren couldn’t beat out Najee
- Without a 2nd round pick, they’ll need to spend their first for a difference maker
- QB won’t be mobile
I know some people say Tomlin wants Chubb but after the injury at his age…
crushedspirit
Footballguy
He was very hard to watch last season. Not only couldn't he move, his arm strength regressed as the season wore on.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
"Would"? I absolutely think they "would" if Tomlin has the keys and gets it in his head he's doing it.
"Should"? They absolutely shouldn't, but see Point A.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
DL has got to be the primary target, especially without a 2nd rounder (at the moment). They haven't done anything to rectify that area at all yet (I guess other than eliminating Larry O), and have watched most of the available upgrades in FA already get signed since they're in their current "QB Induced ParalysisTM."
They can't get any kind of consistent pressure/push in the middle and that lets teams get away with doubling/chipping TJ. It ain't rocket science. They need someone who can collapse the pocket into the QBs face. If they pass on a guy like Harmon or Grant at 21(if they stay there) for Quinshon effin' Judkins or Hampton....in a RB class this deep....then they get what they deserve.
They can't get any kind of consistent pressure/push in the middle and that lets teams get away with doubling/chipping TJ. It ain't rocket science. They need someone who can collapse the pocket into the QBs face. If they pass on a guy like Harmon or Grant at 21(if they stay there) for Quinshon effin' Judkins or Hampton....in a RB class this deep....then they get what they deserve.
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3C's
Footballguy
Now imagine he wasn't doing PEDs. 
www.espn.com
Bills' Ogunjobi, Hoecht banned 6 games for PEDs
The Buffalo Bills will be without two of their free agent additions -- defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and defensive end Michael Hoecht -- for the first six games of the season due to testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Now imagine he wasn't doing PEDs.
Bills' Ogunjobi, Hoecht banned 6 games for PEDs
The Buffalo Bills will be without two of their free agent additions -- defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and defensive end Michael Hoecht -- for the first six games of the season due to testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Maybe it was just Viagra/Cialis. Cuz whatever he was using didn't do much for his football performance.
I don't get the "holding them hostage" narrative at all. Rodgers is deciding between 2 (maybe 3) teams where it seems like he's the 1st choice, that's not holding hostage, that's smart negotiating.
I also don't really see the market changing much at this point. Rodgers/Wilson are both in holding patterns as they likely are both getting starting jobs. Its likely Rodgers signs with Steelers/Giants, and then Wilson signs shortly thereafter with the other team. If anyone is "being held hostage" its Cousins in Atlanta.
There's no real scenario where the Steelers get left without Rodgers/Wilson unless they actively choose to not want 1.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
As much as I'd love to keep sitting a vigil while Aaron Rodgers contemplates moon rocks, or whatever, Top 30 visits have started.
Sampson, Williams, Black, Shough, Pegues, and Milum reported here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6181787/2025/03/07/steelers-nfl-draft-prospect-visitors-tracker/
Also seeing Tuten(
) and Jaylin Noel reported on Twitter, but no date (and not from anyone familiar to me,so taking it with grain of salt for now).
Sampson, Williams, Black, Shough, Pegues, and Milum reported here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6181787/2025/03/07/steelers-nfl-draft-prospect-visitors-tracker/
Also seeing Tuten(
) and Jaylin Noel reported on Twitter, but no date (and not from anyone familiar to me,so taking it with grain of salt for now).
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The "holding them hostage" since 3/12 narrative isn't about his right to explore options or negotiate smartly. It's about the broader impact on the teams involved and the league's overall free agency dynamics. His indecision creates uncertainty for the Steelers and Giants, as both organizations are unable to fully commit to alternative strategies or other quarterback options while waiting for his choice. This ripple effect can disrupt their offseason plans and potentially hinder their ability to build a competitive roster.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
Hear he is meeting with MikeT and Omar today….
That feels more on the Steelers and Giants than Rodgers, or Wilson for that matter. I feel like its up to the team, not the player, to make the offer the player can't refuse, rather than tiptoe around.
Man, I hate defending Aaron Rodgers (Bears fan no less) but I'm not seeing him as in the wrong here at all.
karl.Racki
Footballguy
Mike Silver says he expect Rodgers to sign with Vikings..
If he does, Winston to Steelers?
If he does, Winston to Steelers?
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Tomlin's nightmare scenario
eighsse2
Footballguy
Wow!
Except that article said he "may" rather retire, and it seemed like weak guess then anything rooted in fact.
The exact line in the article is this: I f Minnesota ceases to be an option, it’s also possible that Rodgers will turn down both the Steelers (a 2024 playoff team) and Giants and instead opt for retirement
I'm down with Winston but I'd think the pivot would be to Wilson.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
It's gonna be Russ. I have no idea why they are bothering continuing to jack around at this point. The difference between he and Rodgers is essentially nonexistent at this stage of their careers. One won't throw over the middle or go beyond his first read very often, the other can't move laterally, like, at all. Both can still throw a pretty good deep ball, take too many sacks, and don't turn it over much, so why wait for the more expensive option? Just because you've already seen the one guy? Okay, I guess.
Gotta figure this is Mikey T just "wishin' and hopin'" that the Steelers are 42-year-old A-A-ron away from somehow competing for a ACFC (which is nutty). Most of the scuttlebutt from the last couple months was that Art II was a Wilson proponent vs. Fields (at least where I was seeing anything) so I can't imagine he's the holdup here. Artie Smith, I'm sure, would likely prefer "The Field" vs. Russ, but Artie Smith doesn't get to make decisions, sooo....here we are.
I'm nearly to the point I hope they get boned by every available quarterback and are forced to roll Mason out there as the starter.
Would totally serve them right, for bonering the position up the last 6-7 seasons. Just about the only reason I won't openly root for it, is I wouldn't be convinced that they then wouldn't burn a 1st rounder on a QB who has no business being drafted anywhere near the 1st round. Again.Viva la Flacco-sistance!
Just curious to ask if you got to make this decision how would you have ranked these options, assuming current roster.
For Rodgers I read in that Athletic article he wants to paid like Darnold, so for these purposes I'm going to give him two options, one year at $33M or 2 years at $66m, Russ is a hard guess but I'll put him on high end of Jones contract, complete guess on Winston and Flacco but for these purposes I'll give them a little raise and match them with what Zach Wilson got paid.
1. Fields for 2/40 with $30M guaranteed
2. Daniel Jones one year for $14-17M
3. Rodgers one year for $33M
4. Rodgers two years at $66m
5. Russ Wilson one year at $17m.
6. Winston for $6m.
7.. Zach Wilson for $6m
8. Flacco for $6m.
For Rodgers I read in that Athletic article he wants to paid like Darnold, so for these purposes I'm going to give him two options, one year at $33M or 2 years at $66m, Russ is a hard guess but I'll put him on high end of Jones contract, complete guess on Winston and Flacco but for these purposes I'll give them a little raise and match them with what Zach Wilson got paid.
1. Fields for 2/40 with $30M guaranteed
2. Daniel Jones one year for $14-17M
3. Rodgers one year for $33M
4. Rodgers two years at $66m
5. Russ Wilson one year at $17m.
6. Winston for $6m.
7.. Zach Wilson for $6m
8. Flacco for $6m.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
I assume "because Artie Smith and Russ weren't best pals."
eighsse2
Footballguy
My first thought is that most of these are proportionally appropriate, except one that sticks out as a very good deal: Winston for $6M.
First I agree with 5-ish that he's probably returning. I'd take him vs the field right now I was making an even money bet.
I think the answer is as easy as they viewed Rodgers as an upgrade. Unsure how they communicated this with Russ,what made them feel confident enough to wait on Rodgers and possibly watch Russ sign somewhere else because I feel like they'd been confident like that.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
Knowing what we know now? Because I think it won't change the outcome for the team very much at all regardless of which one they sign, I'd go with any of the cheapest 3 options. Joe Cool, welcome to Water Street, bay-bee!
Tomlin never will though, so that's moot.Nonsense aside, what the Jets gave/guaranteed Fields feels like something I would have been pretty okay with had they given it to him a month ago. It'd give them some flexibility (in the off chance he actually does something nuts and learns to throw with touch), he's got familiarity with the current scheme/staff (which I'm not a fan of, but it's still a plus in this particular case), and would have him under contract for a second year at a reasonable rate to, hopefully, be able to provide another year to bridge to whomever they acquire in 2026 at the position (or be able to potentially extend again if they struck out on acquiring anyone in that draft).
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Menobrown: I can't believe I'm going to say this because obviously I'm not a Russ is a must guy. But I think your list is spot on. However the only player I wouldn't touch is Rodger's at both price points. Like eighsse2 I'd go for Jameis due to price point and roll with Jameis and Mason.
WFan guys are saying there's almost no chance that Russ comes back. Everyone they talked to off the record don't want him returning. Plus, it sounds like he burned bridges with Arthur Smith Jr.
Honestly and personally.......... My belief only. Ownership is cheap and I believe that they thought they could low ball Justin Fields. Due to last year getting Russ and Justin on the cheap. I also think that if they wanted Justin, they'd have locked him up prior to free agency. Part of the reason they might of lowballed Justin could be due to the fact that they wanted Aaron Rodger's. But they may have miscalculated because I don't see Aaron taking a Steeltown discount.
WFan guys are saying there's almost no chance that Russ comes back. Everyone they talked to off the record don't want him returning. Plus, it sounds like he burned bridges with Arthur Smith Jr.
Honestly and personally.......... My belief only. Ownership is cheap and I believe that they thought they could low ball Justin Fields. Due to last year getting Russ and Justin on the cheap. I also think that if they wanted Justin, they'd have locked him up prior to free agency. Part of the reason they might of lowballed Justin could be due to the fact that they wanted Aaron Rodger's. But they may have miscalculated because I don't see Aaron taking a Steeltown discount.
Grid71
Footballguy
Me on a win now directive... lock in Fields immediately for 2 years and take the reigns off to let him ball out. Won't get you a ring, but good enough to compete for a winning season & shot at getting to the playoffs.
Me with option to persuade the Rooneys what is best for the future,
- Take Winston on a 2 year. He is perfect to keep DK and Pickens (unless we can trade him for a high pick next year) happy with big play opportunities and a ton of targets. Let Winston throw all the picks while positioning for 1.01 next year.
- Get younger on the D side and load up on picks. Gimme 2 promising DL early in the draft. Priority to have a dominant front 4 with depth.
- OL demand we bring in a good coach for these young guys and get at least 1 more in the draft after losing Daniels and Moore. It's just the right thing to do after drafting young talent. Need good coaching to get the most out of your investment.
$25.5m.
3C's
Footballguy
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
If we're playing the "what Id have done if the Rooneys would listen to reason about winning a SB soon" game: The first thing I'd have done after Garret got his bag from Cleveland would have been to immediately start shopping TJ.
All that "one helmet"business is great, but they were going to let Ward and Troy test the waters if they wanted to when they hit the end. I am quite certain they will do it in 2 or 3 years with TJ too, if he has fallen off a cliff. I'd be trying to get a premium return for him while I still maybe could and not throw a 41m+1 dollar contract at a guy entering his mid 30's, no matter how great he's been. Will not diminish his contributions as a Steeler one bit. Nobody cared that Franco played for the Seahawks.
All that "one helmet"business is great, but they were going to let Ward and Troy test the waters if they wanted to when they hit the end. I am quite certain they will do it in 2 or 3 years with TJ too, if he has fallen off a cliff. I'd be trying to get a premium return for him while I still maybe could and not throw a 41m+1 dollar contract at a guy entering his mid 30's, no matter how great he's been. Will not diminish his contributions as a Steeler one bit. Nobody cared that Franco played for the Seahawks.
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karl.Racki
Footballguy
I am not sure where you are hearing that... Vikings are interested but on a different price, is what Silver said.
I think Vikings would be smart to get Rodgers. They lost Darnold and it would give JJ McCarthy more time to recover from a pretty serious injury.
Silver also said, if an interest between the Vikings and Rodgers does pass, retirement would certainly be a bigger option for Rodgers, even if the Giants and Steelers jobs are available.
I just want to team to **** the bed and get in a better position to get Manning, Allar, or Iamaleava... The QB class of 2026 is pretty top heavy.
Allbright.
Like I said, depends who you want to believe. I’m buying Allbrights insistence they have no interest myself. Which would mean Silver is getting used by Rodgers to try and drive up interest. I may be wrong, but like I said I’m buying the zero interest story
ETA- I’m not where you are seeing the Silver say the Vikings want him at a different price? The article in the Athletics that Silver co-wrote does not say that. If at no point says that they want Rodgers. Just says he wants them and they’ll consider it
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Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
We also have zero depth on the Oline and are short a starter on Dline still.
3C's
Footballguy
Dan Moore, Daniels, and Herbig. Not much left after the starting 5 and Anderson.
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
MikeT the only head coach at clemson pro day apparently.
I haven't heard (radio) any negative about Russ or Fields' feelings towards the Steelers. I haven't really heard much positive either.
There's a lot of good posts in this thread.
When I was a kid, I remember wanting many different sugary cereal. Waking to healthy cereal was not fun. Oh I got the store brand was a let down. Reasons given were garbage too. I ate so many apples and bananas every day and my veggies at dinner. I exercised all day w sports. I did not need a healthy cereal or to be advised of my dad's colon at his age. I just wanted Boo Berry! It was on sale and there even was a coupon so the prerequisites were there for Mom to buy it. Grape nuts are neither grape nor nuts and have the flavor of sticks. You put strawberries in it. I want Boo Berry!
I really think this is the best analogy to the QBs available in free agency this year. If you read the write article, the draft isn't much different.
Rodgers is stale.
Wilson is like cereal on a shelf too long. It just isn't as good as it once was and it wasn't that great last time.
Fields seemed fun but was it?
Zach Wilson really?
How old is Flacco and how did he really do last year?
Tell me how Ewers is a five star prospect as I read this negative article about him.
Shedeur and Ward would have been ranked where last year? Does that make them Levis like then? Better but still not good enough? What?
QB is the most important position in sports and umm how are we supposed to get better then?
Ya know that wonderful Christmas movie of the reindeer with the nose? Yeah Mason isn't that.
Everything is so off brand it's brutal.
Steelers fans are sick of mediocrity and there isn't one "get me past mediocrity" QB available right now.
Give me the we've gotta go through another year of this speech while I pretend frosted mini wheats are sugary fun.
