Steelers QB Alternatives Rapidly Signing Elsewhere
The Pittsburgh Steelers are running low on alternatives at the quarterback position if they’re unable to sign one of Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.
The Steelers and New York Giants are both waiting on answer from Rodgers as of early Thursday morning, with Wilson scheduled to visit the Cleveland Browns on Thursday and the Giants on Friday on a free agent tour.
But if Steelers general manager Omar Khan can’t work out a deal with one of those two players, he’s running out of other plans.
Early on Wednesday, Marcus Mariota, a former starting quarterback under Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith when he was with the Atlanta Falcons, re-signed with the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal to continue to back up rising star Jayden Daniels.
Later in the day, former first-round draft pick Mac Jones signed with the San Francisco 49ers on a two-year deal worth $7 million, and $5 million of it guaranteed, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
There are other quarterbacks remaining in the second-tier market, but few starting options. The Steelers could pivot to Jameis Winston, who started seven games for the Cleveland Browns in 2024, Garnder Minshew, who made nine starts for the Raiders last season, or even 40-year-old Joe Flacco, who made six starts for the Indianapolis Colts last season.
Drew Lock, Carson Wentz and former Steelers backup Mason Rudolph are among the other most-realistic options. The Steelers have been in contact with Rudolph about a return this week.