Free Agent Quarterbacks That Could Lead the Steelers Back to the Playoffs?

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a pivotal juncture in their quest for quarterback stability. With AFC North rivals building around elite signal-callers, Mike Tomlin and his staff are under mounting pressure to solidify the position. 

Mason Rudolph is currently the most viable in-house option, but the organization is leaving no stone unturned as it evaluates alternatives via free agency, trade, or the 2025 NFL Draft. The outcome of this decision could shape the franchise’s playoff trajectory.

Rudolph didn’t begin the 2023 season as Pittsburgh’s starter, but he ended it as the team’s most dependable quarterback. Taking over for the final three regular-season games, he injected stability and poise into the offense. Rudolph completed 68% of his passes—well above Pittsburgh’s season average—and posted 236 yards per game through the air, far surpassing the team’s 186.1-yard average. 

He threw five touchdowns to just one interception during that stretch and even started in the wild card round against the Buffalo Bills. His performance earned him a two-year, $7.5 million deal to remain with the Steelers, signaling a real opportunity to compete for the starting role.

Tomlin publicly expressed comfort with Rudolph as the potential starter, and after a one-year detour with the Titans that saw Rudolph go 1-4 in five starts, his return brings both continuity and a modest sample of recent success. Still, the team is weighing all options.

Aaron Rodgers remains one of the most intriguing names—despite being under contract with the Jets, his name always surfaces when quarterback-needy teams are discussed. Rodgers offers more than just elite arm talent. 

His locker-room presence, mastery of offensive schemes, and championship pedigree make him a transformative leader. His ability to process pre-snap looks and dictate game flow would offer invaluable support to a young Steelers offense still finding its footing.

For a long-term solution, Pittsburgh could look to the 2025 NFL Draft. Prospects like Jalen Milroe, Shedeur Sanders, and Jackson Dart bring dynamic traits—Milroe with his athleticism, Sanders with his poise and anticipation, Dart with his arm strength and deep-ball accuracy. Drafting a rookie would represent a commitment to future development, but would also entail growing pains—especially behind an offensive line still in flux.

Another option is Kirk Cousins, a reliable veteran who thrives in play-action-heavy systems. Cousins brings a strong football IQ, leadership, and years of starting experience, including playoff runs. 

His precision and calm in the pocket would suit Pittsburgh’s conservative offensive style and could serve as a bridge while the team grooms a younger quarterback. He represents a middle ground: experienced enough to win now, yet not necessarily blocking the development of a future starter.

There are also lower-cost trade targets like Andy Dalton, Tyrod Taylor, and Jimmy Garoppolo. Dalton is among the most respected backups in the NFL, capable of maintaining stability. Taylor’s mobility and safe decision-making limit turnovers. Garoppolo, though inconsistent, has playoff experience and a quick release that helps behind suspect offensive lines. Each provides a short-term stopgap option without the financial burden of a high-end free agent.

Ryan Tannehill is another veteran on the market who fits Pittsburgh’s mold. Though no longer in his prime, Tannehill still brings mobility, toughness, and leadership. His experience in balanced offensive schemes makes him a viable placeholder while the team continues to evaluate long-term solutions. His temperament aligns with Tomlin’s no-nonsense culture.

Pass protection remains a concern, which complicates the quarterback calculus. The Steelers’ offensive line is still a work in progress, and frequent breakdowns could hinder a rookie’s development or diminish a veteran’s effectiveness. Experienced QBs like Rodgers, Cousins, or Tannehill have the processing speed and instincts to mitigate those issues—traits younger quarterbacks may still need to develop.

The AFC North poses no soft matchups, with Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson all entrenched as high-level quarterbacks. If the Steelers hope to remain competitive, they can’t settle for mediocrity under center. A stout defense, anchored by T.J. Watt, can only carry them so far. The offense must evolve beyond game management and become capable of matching its divisional rivals in clutch moments and shootouts.

The 2023 season proved that the foundation is solid—Pittsburgh reached the playoffs with Rudolph stepping in late. That speaks volumes about the roster’s overall quality. With ascending skill players and a top-tier defense, the quarterback position is the final piece needed to transition from fringe playoff team to legitimate contender.

From a salary cap standpoint, the Steelers’ $7.5 million investment in Rudolph isn’t starter-level money, but it reflects a willingness to give him a shot. Adding a high-salary veteran like Rodgers or Cousins could limit resources available to upgrade the offensive line or secondary. Sticking with Rudolph or signing a cheaper veteran could preserve financial flexibility for broader roster improvement.

This decision will define Pittsburgh’s ceiling in 2024. Whether they roll with Rudolph, pursue a steady hand like Cousins, gamble on Rodgers, target a trade option like Garoppolo, or develop a prospect like Shedeur Sanders, they need a quarterback who brings not just skill—but clarity, leadership, and a chance to compete. The AFC North waits for no one, and the Steelers can’t afford another year in quarterback limbo.