Analyst Suggests Plan C for Steelers at Quarterback
If Aaron Rodgers falls through, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio can see the Pittsburgh Steelers turning to another veteran quarterback with loads of personality. Jameis Winston suited up for the Cleveland Browns last season. He could switch to the black and gold for the next one.
Rodgers is taking his time in deciding on where he wants to play next year, if he even does. Russell Wilson supposedly remains an option, as well, but the Steelers’ interest in him seems telling.
“I know they’re gonna up with who you think I know,” Florio said Thursday on Pro Football Talk. “I’m looking at him right now. Jameis Winston. If they don’t sign Rodgers, they’re gonna go with Jameis Winston. Because he can at least get the ball down the field to DK Metcalf.”
Winston was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He reached his only Pro Bowl to date as a rookie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His erratic style of play eventually caused that team to turn to Tom Brady after Winston’s fifth year. He’s since been a backup for New Orleans (2020-23) and Cleveland (2024). With the Browns, he posted a 2-5 record as a starter last season. One of those wins was in the snow against the Steelers.
Winston has campaigned this offseason to join the Steelers. He’s thrown 154 touchdowns and 111 interceptions during his 10-year career. His addition would be a curious one considering Tomlin’s risk-averse approach.
“If that opportunity presents itself, I would love to team up with Coach Mike Tomlin,” he said last month. “I admire Coach Mike Tomlin so much. The first Super Bowl ring I ever held in my hand was a (2008) Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl ring from Bruce Arians. So that definitely is aligned with my vision.”