As ESPN NFL Nation reporter Brooke Pryor put it, “the Pittsburgh Steelers are between A. Rodgers and a hard place.” After seeing both of their 2024 starting quarterbacks depart in free agency—Justin Fields joining the New York Jets and Russell Wilson heading to the New York Giants—the Steelers seem to be going all-in on securing future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers in free agency.
Although Mike Florio of Pro Football Focus has described Aaron Rodgers as a “safe bet” to sign with Pittsburgh, the 41-year-old veteran with 20 seasons in the league is also reportedly weighing retirement—or even a move to the Minnesota Vikings. One report suggests that Rodgers has told the Vikings they are his “preferred team.”
Rodgers visited the Steelers’ facilities last week, meeting with coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan, and owner Art Rooney II. However, he left Pittsburgh without a deal in place. As Pryor noted, the unconventional quarterback is known for making decisions on his own terms, rarely influenced by external factors, and often acting according to his own unpredictable reasoning.
Steelers Need to Move Fast in Acquiring a QB
“The Steelers, however, don’t have the benefit of time,” Pryor wrote. “With the draft less than a month away, the need to establish a backup plan becomes increasingly urgent.”
If Rodgers continues to delay his decision, as seems likely, or ultimately chooses not to sign with Pittsburgh, what options do the Steelers have? Right now, their quarterback room includes Mason Rudolph, their own third-round pick from 2018, and Skylar Thompson, a 2022 seventh-round selection by the Miami Dolphins. Neither quarterback is likely to inspire much confidence among Steelers fans, who have endured a playoff drought since 2016 and watched their team lose five straight postseason games.
The Steelers, who share the NFL record of six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, haven’t hoisted the Lombardi Trophy since 2008. And with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson at quarterback, it’s hard to imagine that changing this season—or anytime soon.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports suggests that a “logical” and “low-risk” quarterback option for Pittsburgh could be Joe Milton III, the New England Patriots’ 2024 sixth-round pick (193rd overall). The 25-year-old Milton has frequently surfaced in Steelers trade rumors in the past.
Patriots QB Among Most Athletically Gifted in NFL
Although Milton is seen as a raw prospect with underwhelming college stats, the 25-year-old is regarded as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks to enter the NFL—perhaps the most since Cam Newton was selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2011. Milton showcased his talent as the 2023 Orange Bowl MVP, throwing for 251 yards and three touchdowns in Tennessee’s 31-14 victory over Clemson.
Milton has frequently been captured on video launching footballs 80 yards during training sessions. In his lone 2024 appearance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18, he made headlines by throwing a pass at 61.7 mph—the second-fastest recorded pass in NFL history.
Milton is still on his rookie contract, a four-year deal worth just $4.2 million, with three years remaining—making him a virtually risk-free financial investment for the Steelers.
“Even with another veteran in the mix, Milton could be a low-risk addition who competes for the starting job over the summer,” Sullivan wrote. “With his ability to launch the football a country mile, it would be intriguing to see him paired with DK Metcalf and George Pickens.”
