Pittsburgh Steelers Face Quarterback Conundrum Ahead of New Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with a significant challenge as they prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 NFL season. The team’s starting quarterback position remains a glaring void, with three quarterbacks on the active roster: Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson. Notably, two of these quarterbacks are career backups, while the other is a rookie, leaving the Steelers in a precarious situation.
Last season’s quarterback duo of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields is a distant memory, and the team is now torn between waiting for Aaron Rodgers or trading for Kirk Cousins. According to Ian Rapoport, "if any team needs a quarterback with starting experience… Kirk Cousins would be the first call." This statement underscores the Steelers’ potential interest in acquiring Cousins, who is currently the QB2 for the Atlanta Falcons behind Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler, lost his starting job with the Falcons towards the end of last season. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, the most high-profile free agent, is yet to indicate any concrete interest in joining the Steelers. With the regular season just a couple of months away, the Steelers are increasingly likely to make a pitch to Cousins, who could bring much-needed experience to the team.
The Steelers’ coach, Mike Tomlin, faces a crucial decision: start the season with one of the three quarterbacks on the roster or acquire a seasoned veteran. The team had a solid but unspectacular regular season in 2024, ending with a 10-7 record before being eliminated in the wildcard round by the Baltimore Ravens. To improve on this performance, Tomlin has added perennial Pro Bowler wide receiver DK Metcalf via trade, along with a couple of high-potential rookies.
As the Steelers strive to reach the later stages of the playoffs, their quarterback situation remains a pressing concern. With the NFL preseason looming, all eyes will be on the Steelers to see how they address this critical position. Will they opt for the experienced Kirk Cousins or take a chance on one of their young quarterbacks? The answer to this question will significantly impact the team’s chances of success in the upcoming season.
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