The Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to post a losing season since Mike Tomlin took over as head coach in 2007 — but if they can’t secure a legitimate starting quarterback, that streak could be in jeopardy.
Former Steelers offensive lineman and current Fox Sports analyst Willie Colon, who helped Tomlin win his lone Super Bowl in 2008, weighed in on the rumors that Aaron Rodgers could be under center in Pittsburgh in 2025.
Willie Colon Calls Steelers QB Situation ‘Troublesome’
“I personally don’t like them fawning over Aaron Rodgers, but I do think they’re willing to wait,” Colon said, according to Steelers Depot.
“It’s just troublesome that there’s a potential Mason Rudolph could be leading this team onto the field next season when you especially have Russell Wilson waiting in the wings.”
Colon also threw out a surprise name that hasn’t been widely mentioned in the Steelers’ quarterback search.
“The Steelers have a way of figuring out what’s best for them. So they are gonna draft a quarterback, I think they’re willing to wait for Aaron Rodgers, but I could also see them signing a Carson Wentz.”
Former Steelers OL Willie Colon: “I personally don’t like them fawning over Aaron Rodgers, but I do think they’re willing to wait. It’s just troublesome that there’s a potential Mason Rudolph could be leading this team onto the field next season when you especially have Russell…
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 20, 2025
As of now, the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart consists of Mason Rudolph and former Miami Dolphins backup Skylar Thompson. Rudolph’s lone season as a semi-regular starter came in 2019, when he went 5-3 as a rookie, throwing for 1,765 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 turnovers.
With several quarterback options on the table — but no clear long-term solution — who is the best fit for Pittsburgh?
Who Should Be the Steelers’ Next Quarterback?
Based purely on 2024 performance, Russell Wilson seems like the best choice. He posted a 75.3 rating in PFSN’s QB+ metric, ranking No. 17 in the league — higher than both Rodgers and Rudolph.
Wilson also has familiarity with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system and an existing rapport with George Pickens and newly acquired DK Metcalf from their time together in Seattle.
That said, the Steelers finished just 25th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric with a score of 67.5 — mostly with Wilson at quarterback. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ New York Jets ranked 19th with a 72.7 rating.
Rodgers appears to be the most likely option, given how much steam that rumor has gained. However, he turns 42-years-old this year and is coming off one of his least successful seasons, leading the Jets to a 5-12 record.
From an individual standpoint, though, Rodgers still flashed some of the skills that made him a four-time MVP. He threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, finishing with a 72.2 QB+ rating.
Rudolph, on the other hand, started five games for the Tennessee Titans in 2024, going 1-4. He threw for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions — not exactly the numbers Steelers fans would hope for in their starting quarterback.
As for Wentz, his name carries weight because of his 2017 All-Pro season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he hasn’t looked like that player in years. Over the past two seasons, Wentz has started just two games, throwing for a combined 281 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Could the Steelers Look to the Draft?
One of the most intriguing options Colon mentioned is the draft. However, with the Steelers picking at No. 21, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders — the top two quarterback prospects — are likely out of reach unless Pittsburgh trades up.
According to Anthony Pasciolla’s latest mock draft, the Steelers could take Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 21. Analyst Anthony Pasciolla believes Dart is the most realistic option if Pittsburgh doesn’t land Rodgers or Wilson.
“Dart’s offense at Ole Miss was predicated on speed and efficiency, running a play every 22 seconds on average,” Pasciolla wrote.
“This tempo minimizes responsibility for the QB, eliminates their ability to take a detailed pre-snap scan of the defense, and gives him tunnel vision towards his read key. If the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin implemented a similar system, Dart could find success for a pick that some might deem a reach.”
While Dart may be the most exciting option for Steelers fans hoping for a long-term answer, Rodgers and Wilson remain the better win-now choices. With reports indicating that Pittsburgh is willing to wait for Rodgers’ decision, Steelers fans could be in for a long offseason before they know who will be under center in 2025.