The quarterback drama in Pittsburgh does not seem to end anytime soon. After letting Russel Wilson and Justin Fields go to their rivals, the Steelers are yet to decide on who will start under center. Aaron Rodgers, Jaxson Dart, and Shedeur Sanders are a few names that HC Mike Tomlin is aiming to land in Steel City, but there is no concrete development on any QB available in the free market. Still, Tomlin seems confident of getting Rodgers on a short-term deal. While this looks like a smart move from the Steelers HC, the Steelers have been warned not to make the same mistake again.

See, Tomlin is someone who knows how to get the best out of his QB. Even Wilson, who was not effective in the 2nd half of the last season, was very sharp in the early stretch. And considering how good Rodgers was in 2024, the Steelers and the former Packers QB seem like a perfect marriage. But here’s the dilemma: when you have a shot at landing a young, generational talent who could anchor your franchise for the next ten years, why pour your resources into someone nearing the twilight of his career? One Steelers legend didn’t hold back from voicing this very concern.

Shedeur’s interest in joining the Steelers is no secret. A few days ago, the Crimson Tide QB Jaxson Dart also visited the franchise. Still, Tomlin is waiting for an answer from 41-year-old Rodgers—who remains elusive, staying far away from any spotlight. Now, amid all this QB drama, former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger made some strong demands to the OC Arthur Smith for their future QB1.

The Super Bowl winner requested the Steelers OC on the April 9 episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger and said, “You’ve got to get someone in here that can work with Arthur Smith for more than one year two-three years you’ve got to develop that rapport and that understanding each other.” That’s right.

However, this has not happened in the franchise for at least a decade now. They brought many QBs while the legend was with the team. They drafted Landry Jones in the fourth round (115th overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft. He played 5 seasons but started only 5 games. They replaced him with Mason Rudolph, drafted in the third round (76th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.

In 6 seasons for the Steelers, he started 13 games. But moved to Titans last year before making a comeback in 2025. The legend also requested Arthur Smith to have a relaxed approach and added, “Arthur Smith also has to understand that he’s got to let the quarterback have some reign. I was told that he really pulled the reins back on Russ in the two-minute drill.”

Top Comment by Truth

Let Rudolf guide the sleigh, save money for next year.

Share your take

Debate

Everything is in the past now. The only reliable QB is Mason Rudolph, back on a 2-year $8 million deal. They have to draft a signal caller. The best bet is the Colorado QB.

Shedeur Sanders ready to sit behind Aaron Rodgers

The draft stock has been swirling more than you can imagine. In the combine, everyone claimed the Colorado QB was a top 3 QB prospect. Then, as the weeks passed, it kept on falling and came down to the first round. A few days back, a video went viral in which he patted the ball, with analysts claiming his technique was flawed. Now, after the Steelers visit, the chances are high that he might be sharing the locker room with Aaron Rodgers (if he commits).

However, Shedeur Sanders is ready to sit on the bench if A-Rod comes to the Black and Gold. He accepted his fate and said, “If that’s the way that things play out, then that’s the way they play out. I wouldn’t question what God has planned for me.” That’s fine. It will be a repeat of the 2024 season when Justin Fields sat behind Russell Wilson.

Fields started 6 games, but when Russ returned, he had to take the backseat. It could happen with Shedeur Sanders this year. But there is a high chance of playing as well. The former Packers legend is trying to stretch his career. Rodgers wants a last dance, but the injury risk is pretty high. So, in that case, if he commits to the Steelers and gets injured, the rookie QB will play.

However, will they be able to draft Sanders? The Steelers are 21st in the draft. And the top 3 teams need a signal caller. The Giants have signed Russell Wilson. But they can try to snatch the college player. That will break many hopes for the AFC North franchise.