NFL’s QB Market Shake-Up Puts Steelers in Unfamiliar Territory

PALM BEACH, Fla. — Even the Steelers, long known for valuing stability more than most teams, are being forced to adjust to the much more turbulent and expensive reality of quarterbacking in the NFL. 

While the league’s annual meeting, being held here this week, is focused on a variety of potential on-field rules changes and business matters, the heightened quarterback carousel this offseason also has been a frequent source of discussion. That frenetic movement in recent weeks has involved notable players such as Sam Darnold, Geno Smith, and Justin Fields, included a record-setting extension for Bills star and reigning league Most Valuable Player Josh Allen, and even big money for likely backups. 

“It’s business in the NFL in 2025, man,” said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin in response to a Front Office Sports question. “A lot of football obviously goes through that position; it’s reflected in the market, and there are a lot of talented guys out there as well. The responsibilities that come with those jobs are probably equal to that money.”

The Steelers are now at the center of that carousel as the team continues conversations with Aaron Rodgers after a lengthy on-site visit last week. Tomlin, however, insisted he’s not bothered by not having the team’s quarterback situation at all settled. Pittsburgh recently brought back former backup and spot starter Mason Rudolph after a year with the Titans and is also actively scouting potential selections in next month’s draft. 

“I’m really comfortable with being unsettled at this time of year, to be quite honest with you,” Tomlin said. “It’s about talent acquisition. We’ve got two main means of acquiring talent: free agency and the draft. We multitask. We do both. … Although day-to-day it can be somewhat uncomfortable, it is a process.”

That uncertainty, however, is a marked change from the nearly two decades when future Pro Football Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger was firmly established as the Steelers’ QB1. 

If Pittsburgh signs Rodgers, it’s not known what his contract terms will be, but it could again push toward the top of the market. The four-time MVP previously had a two-year, $75 million fully guaranteed contract with the Jets that had been restructured. The Jets are now set to take on a $49 million dead-money hit in its salary cap with the departure of Rodgers. 

Training Matters

Tomlin, meanwhile, refused to match the vitriol of former Steelers running back Najee Harris. Now a member of the Chargers, Harris said of his new team’s training facilities, “You all have a great thing going on here because, man, it’s not like this everywhere. It’s not.” Harris stifled a laugh as he referred to his former team.

On this year’s NFL Players Association report cards, released last month, the Steelers got a C+ in the categories of nutritionist/dietitian, training room, and weight room; C- in strength coaches; and D for locker room. 

“I’m not going to comment on somebody else’s opinion. Everybody’s entitled to theirs,” Tomlin said in response to a FOS question about Harris. “We had a great experience with Naj. We appreciate his efforts in the four years he was here with us, and I wish him nothing but the best.”