The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have one quarterback on their roster – Skylar Thompson (sad trombone noise).

2025 needs to be the year the Steelers get truly serious about finding a long-term answer at quarterback. In terms of who those options will be, these are my personal rankings for what Pittsburgh can do at the quarterback position.

1. Justin Fields

He makes the most sense. He was in the system last year, he played well in the six games he started, and can be brought back for cheaper than just about every other option possible. Sign him to a two-year deal, load up the offense around him, and give him the opportunity to prove he is their franchise quarterback. If he is, great – you did it. If he isn’t, then at least you’ll know ahead of a quarterback-heavy 2026 draft class.

2. Matthew Stafford

This one feels like somewhat of a long shot so I didn’t put it at No. 1, but if the Steelers can get Stafford, they should make it their top priority. The Rams could be looking to move on from Stafford ahead of March before he is due a $4 million roster bonus and look toward the future. Should Stafford become available, he would skyrocket to the top of the list. Even at age 37, he is still playing high-level football. Pittsburgh could also bring over Cooper Kupp to compliment their receiving corps.

3. Sam Darnold

Darnold had a career-renaissance in Minnesota this past season, throwing for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns with a passer rating north of 102. I like Darnold, but I fear a few things when it comes to the potential of him being the quarterback. For starters, was 2024 just a one-year wonder type of situation? And two, he won’t have a great play designer and play-caller like Kevin O’Connell in Pittsburgh, not does have have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. If Pittsburgh loads up on receivers, then this could make sense. But even so, the worries would remain.

4. Kirk Cousins

Cousins didn’t have the season he was hoping for in Atlanta, but he will likely be available for cheap money once the Falcons release him. He certainly wouldn’t be my first choice, but he’s not quite the worst one, either.

5. Aaron Rodgers

If Rodgers was three years younger, then he would be higher on the list. Even after a season where he threw 28 touchdowns, he’s 41 and would likely just be another one-year rental.

6. Russell Wilson

No. Just no. If they bring Wilson back, they are just admitting they are completely happy with what happened this past season and no one would have nay reason to be excited for 2025. No disrespect to Wilson, but he would be the worst veteran option.