As the clock ticks closer to 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, the Pittsburgh Steelers, like every other team in the NFL, are eagerly anticipating the start of free agency. With plenty of moves to be made and players to be signed, the Steelers are ready to make their mark and bolster their roster for the upcoming season. However, one major situation still looms over the league and could potentially affect the Steelers’ plans – the Aaron Rodgers saga.
The Green Bay Packers’ star quarterback has been the talk of the offseason, with rumors swirling about his discontent with the organization and potential desire to play elsewhere. While the Packers have maintained that they have no intention of trading Rodgers, the uncertainty surrounding his future has caused a ripple effect across the league, including in Pittsburgh.
With Rodgers’ situation still unresolved, the Steelers could use this to their advantage. As they explore potential free agent options, they can afford to be patient and see how the Rodgers situation plays out. This could open up opportunities for the Steelers to make moves that they may not have otherwise been able to make.
One intriguing option that has been linked to the Steelers is former Los Angeles Rams quarterback, Jared Goff. Goff was recently traded to the Detroit Lions in a blockbuster deal involving Matthew Stafford, but his future with the Lions is far from certain. If Goff becomes available, the Steelers could potentially swoop in and add him to their roster.
Another possibility for the Steelers is Jameis Winston, who recently re-signed with the New Orleans Saints. However, with the Saints’ salary cap situation, it is possible that Winston may still hit the free agent market. With his proven talent and potential for growth, Winston could be a valuable addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room.
The Steelers have also been linked to Marcus Mariota, who is currently the backup quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. Mariota has shown flashes of potential during his time in the league and could benefit from a change of scenery. If the Raiders decide to move on from Mariota, the Steelers could be a potential landing spot for him.
In addition to these potential free agent options, the Steelers also have their own in-house options to consider. Mason Rudolph, who has been the backup to Ben Roethlisberger for the past few seasons, could be given the opportunity to compete for the starting job. The Steelers also have Dwayne Haskins, who was recently signed to a futures contract after being released by the Washington Football Team. Haskins was a first-round pick in 2019 and has the potential to develop into a starting quarterback in the league.
While the Steelers may have to wait and see how the Rodgers situation unfolds, they are not standing idly by. The team has already made a significant move this offseason by re-signing JuJu Smith-Schuster to a one-year deal. This move not only adds a talented receiver to their roster, but it also allows the Steelers to focus their attention on other areas of need in free agency.
In addition to quarterback, the Steelers may also look to add depth at other positions, including offensive line, running back, and linebacker. With the salary cap situation being tight for many teams, the Steelers may be able to find some bargains in free agency and add depth to their roster.
In a surprising turn of events, the NFL quietly approved a rule change proposed by the Steelers before the start of free agency. The rule change allows teams to designate up to three players to return from injured reserve instead of just two. This could be a significant advantage for the Steelers, who have dealt with their fair share of injuries in recent years.
Overall, the Steelers are in a good position heading into free agency. With a solid core of players and a strong coaching staff, they are well-equipped to make the necessary moves to improve their roster. While the Aaron Rodgers situation may still be up in the air, the Steelers have plenty of options to consider and can make moves that will benefit the team in the long run.
As the countdown to free agency continues, the Steelers and their fans can be excited about the potential for the team to make some big moves. Whether it’s adding a new quarterback or bolstering other positions, the Steelers are poised to make their mark and continue their winning tradition. So, let the countdown begin – the Steelers are ready to make their move.