Steelers insider name drops surprising potential veteran quarterback options

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have one of the least-respected quarterback groups in the entire National Football League. 

With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, many in the Steel City anticipate the Black and Gold to select a quarterback at some point. While the fan base continues to debate about when in the draft the Steelers will take a swing, the reality is that the team still only has Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson under contract for 2025. The Steelers could be adding another veteran, regardless of what happens with Aaron Rodgers. 

It's going to be tough for Thompson to earn a roster spot come the end of August. Rudolph signing a two-year contract solidifies his role as the team's No. 1 backup through the 2026 campaign. 

Aside from Rudolph, the other two remaining quarterback spots are left for a rookie and another veteran, like Rodgers. However, the hopes that he would become a Steeler somewhat diminished for some after his recent national appearance. Rodgers made it clear that he needs even more time to come to a decision, but the Steelers can only wait for so long. 

On Friday, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac appeared on the "The Rich Eisen Show." In his appearance, Dulac felt strongly about how the quarterback position will pan out down the line. Dulac believes a middle-round rookie will be selected by Pittsburgh as a backup, and also guarantees the Steelers will be adding another veteran quarterback if Rodgers doesn't sign. 

"Even if they don't sign Aaron Rodgers, Rich, they're going to go sign a veteran quarterback," Dulac said to Eisen. "Desmond Ridder. Carson Wentz. I'm not saying it's going to be those guys. I'm just looking at some traces that could possibly happen."

Rich Eisen quickly explained to Dulac that the whole reason the Steelers have Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator is because of how poorly the experiment with Desmond Ridder went with the Atlanta Falcons.

"This is the problem with waiting on Aaron Rodgers. You lost out on a couple of possibilities," Eisen said. "Jameis Winston, Joe Flacco. That is the one downside of waiting for Aaron Rodgers. But they are not going to go into a season with Mason Rudolph and then a rookie as the backup quarterback. They have never done that in their life. They always have two veteran quarterbacks... They always keep three on the roster, unlike most teams, and two of them are experienced starting-capable. So, Aaron Rodgers or no Aaron Rodgers, a veteran quarterback will be added somewhere."

The remaining NFL free-agent quarterback options are bleak. If the Steelers' way of adding another veteran passer is through free agency, none other than Rodgers will have a chance at being the starter. The only other possible solution that many are beginning to speculate is a trade with Atlanta for Kirk Cousins, who Dulac believes the Steelers won't give up much for.

The Steelers have run out of options while waiting for Rodgers. Unless there has been some sort of agreement between them and Rodgers about him signing in the summer, the Steelers are going to have to work with Rudolph and a rookie for 2025. 

Steelers Have Veteran Quarterback Free-Agent Options

If Dulac is correct in believing the Steelers will add another veteran quarterback if Rodgers doesn't sign, the remaining options are underwhelming. Dulac mentioned Ridder and Carson Wentz. Wentz has remained a backup over the last few years and has been given few opportunities to see the field. 

At 32 years old, Wentz could be an asset in the sense of developing another rookie. Outside of he and Ridder, other free-agent options include Tyler Huntley and Teddy Bridgewater, who came back out of retirement at the end of the 2024 season.