Aaron Rodgers' Steelers Fallback Might Involve Ex-$128M QB

The Pittsburgh Steelers were aware that they would face uncertainties at the quarterback spot during the upcoming off-season, considering that both Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Kyle Allen were set to become free agents.

After signing with the New York Jets, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions, respectively, the Steelers decided to bring back Mason Rudolph for a two-year contract worth $7.5 million to team up with Skylar Thompson in their locker room.

During the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh could have chosen quarterback prospects earlier, yet they decided to wait until the third day before selecting Ohio State’s Will Howard with their sixth-round pick. This decision provided them with three quarterbacks likely destined for backup roles this season, which stands out as one of the key positions in all sports.

As the Steelers keep awaiting four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers' decision regarding whether he will play with them in Pittsburgh—or even play at all—they might need to explore other options to secure their starting quarterback for 2025.

Earlier this week, CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo compiled A list of the Steelers' primary choices should Rodgers decide not to play for Pittsburgh, with one of his top picks being Carson Wentz.

Wentz, who was 32 years old, competed for North Dakota State University between 2011 and 2015, securing five FCS titles during his time with the team over those five seasons.

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The Philadelphia Eagles selected Wentz with the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and named him the starting quarterback right away. During his sophomore season, Wentz was among the frontrunners for MVP until he suffered an ACL tear. Despite making the Pro Bowl and receiving All-Pro recognition, he missed out when his backup, Nick Foles, guided the team to victory in the Super Bowl.

Over his last three seasons with the Eagles, Wentz stepped back, resulting in a 17-21-1 record during his 39 starts. Many felt the team should have remained with Foles instead.

Philadelphia traded Wentz to the Colts in 2021, and he completed 62.4% of his passes for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions on their way to a 9-8 season.

The next year, he was traded once more to the Washington Commanders and secured the starting position. However, an injury sidelined him, and despite his recovery, Taylor Heinicke’s performance kept him as a backup.

Wentz has spent 2023 as Matt Stafford's backup with the Los Angeles Rams and spent 2024 as Patrick Mahomes' backup with the Kansas City Chiefs.

A deal with the Steelers could be the last chance at a starting job for the quarterback who once signed a $128 million deal. His ceiling is probably higher than any of three quarterbacks in Pittsburgh's locker room currently, and after two years working with Sean McVay and Andy Reid, he may have learned some things that could really help a new team in 2025.

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