Steelers predicted to pass on Aaron Rodgers, sign former $157 million All-Pro quarterback
The Pittsburgh Steelers must figure out their quarterback situation sooner rather than later. The team added Ohio State’s Will Howard in Round 6 of the draft, but the 23-year-old may not be ready to be a starting signal-caller for a playoff contender yet.
Pittsburgh has been in pursuit of free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a while, but if the 41-year-old decides to retire or not sign with the Steelers, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes general manager Omar Khan could pivot to Carson Wentz, who is also on the free agency market.
“Wentz can be a cheap alternative option for the Pittsburgh Steelers if Aaron Rodgers retires. He’s more mobile and has a bigger arm than projected starting quarterback Mason Rudolph, two quarterback traits that can open up offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s playbook with DK Metcalf on the roster,” Moton wrote.
Wentz spent the 2024 season as Patrick Mahomes’ backup with the Kansas City Chiefs, and hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2022, his lone season with the Washington Commanders. The 2017 second-team All-Pro selection has a ton of starting experience and has been a high-level quarterback in the past, but he’s past his prime and is now best-suited as a backup.
Though Wentz has played just five games in the last two seasons, he would be a solid addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room. The North Dakota State product could compete for the backup role with Mason Rudolph and serve as the starter if called upon.
Wentz should also be cheap to sign. Spotrac has his market value at one year for $1.9 million, which is basically a league minimum for a quarterback.
Signing Rodgers is the perfect scenario for Pittsburgh. However, if that doesn’t come to fruition, signing Wentz may be the next best option at this point in the offseason.
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