Pittsburgh Steelers News - Sportsnaut

Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets player, but it’s not Aaron Rodgers

Matt Higgins — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:03:07 +0000

Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors are swirling that Aaron Rodgers could become the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback for 2025.

With Justin Fields signing a two-year deal with the New York Jets and Russell Wilson visiting both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants this week, Pittsburgh finds itself hunting for a new signal caller.

Rodgers, who has now officially been released by the Jets after two turbulent seasons, has reportedly long been a favorite of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

If the Steelers do sign Rodgers, they would acquire a 41-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback who brings considerable baggage. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns during a disappointing 5-12 Jets season in 2024, though context matters – he attempted the second-most passes in the league while often playing from behind.

As Pittsburgh awaits Rodgers’ decision, the team has already secured one of his former teammates.

Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets cornerback

Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Steelers have signed former Jets cornerback Brandin Echols to bolster their secondary depth and special teams.

The #Steelers are expected to sign former #Jets CB Brandin Echols, sources say. He should provide key secondary depth and more. pic.twitter.com/t5fQIVJOcf
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025

The Jets selected Echols in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Last season, he appeared in 16 games (making four starts), recording two interceptions, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery while playing 38% of defensive snaps. He also contributed on special teams for 46% of plays.

Throughout his four-year stint in New York, Echols appeared in 57 games with 19 starts, amassing five interceptions, two pick-sixes, and 16 pass breakups.

Contract details remain undisclosed.

This signing follows Pittsburgh’s recent acquisition of cornerback Darius Slay on a one-year, $10 million deal after his release from the Philadelphia Eagles.

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NFL rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers insider warns signing Aaron Rodgers could doom front office

Matt Higgins — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:21:23 +0000

Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a pivotal quarterback crossroads as they currently have no starter locked in for 2025.

After steering the Steelers to an impressive 4-2 record through six starts last season, Justin Fields bolted for the New York Jets, securing a lucrative two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. Fields’ departure came after his benching for Russell Wilson, who had been sidelined with a calf injury during Fields’ hot start.

Wilson ultimately guided Pittsburgh to a playoff berth, but his campaign ended on a sour note with five consecutive losses, including a Wild Card round elimination at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. Now a free agent himself, Wilson remains in limbo waiting for suitors.

Meanwhile, speculation swirls around the black and gold potentially targeting future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, who’s coming off two tumultuous seasons with the Jets. Despite posting respectable numbers — 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns — Rodgers couldn’t elevate New York beyond a dismal 5-12 record.

Pittsburgh Steelers insider sounds alarm on potential Aaron Rodgers acquisition

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The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reports that while Rodgers “seems like the most likely marriage” for the Steelers, the move carries substantial risk. At 41, Rodgers brings not just his elite pedigree but also unnecessary drama to an organization known for stability.

“After vacationing in Egypt during mandatory minicamp last year, Rodgers was a shell of his former self in his first full season with the Jets,” DeFabo notes. “He appeared timid when it came time to throw downfield. Once a magician with mobility, buying time to create outside of structure, Rodgers transformed into a statue. As a result, he was one of the NFL’s worst QBs against the blitz, with a minus-0.20 EPA per dropback against five or more rushers. Only Anthony Richardson was worse.”

DeFabo warns that Pittsburgh’s front office could suffer the same fate as former Jets GM Joe Douglas, who was fired mid-season after going all-in on the Rodgers experiment.

“Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl’s best friend in the business is former Jets GM Joe Douglas, who once was seen as an up-and-coming builder after drafting the offensive (Garrett Wilson) and defensive (Sauce Gardner) rookies of the year in the same 2022 class. But because Douglas believed in Rodgers too much—and tried to surround the QB with his preferred players—he’s now without a job.

“The Steelers’ decision-makers are flirting with the same fate.”

The Jets’ 2024 meltdown didn’t stop with Douglas. Head coach Robert Saleh was shown the door after Week 5 following a loss to Minnesota that dropped New York to 2-3. They managed just three more victories after his departure.

DeFabo cautions that if Pittsburgh does pull the trigger on Rodgers, they must limit their commitment to a short-term arrangement as a bridge quarterback.

“But if they overcommit, they might be sentencing the franchise to its own darkness retreat,” he warns.

The Steelers have positioned themselves financially for a splash, trading for star wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and signing him to a five-year, $150 million deal. With $64.4 million in available cap space according to OverTheCap.com, Pittsburgh has the financial flexibility to make a move — but wisdom needs to guide their quarterback decision.

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NFL rumors reveal timeline of Aaron Rodgers’ free agency decision as Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants wait

Andrew Buller-Russ — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:58:28 +0000

Ed Mulholland-Imagn ImagesEd Mulholland-Imagn Images

After two disappointing seasons with the New York Jets, Aaron Rodgers will soon have to find a new team if he wants to be a starting quarterback in 2025. He’s running out of options, and as the days go by, teams will run out of patience, leading to contract agreements with other quarterbacks.

Yet Rodgers, whose options may be limited to the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, may not care.

Aaron Rodgers’ free agency decision could take weeks

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Teams and players typically operate with a high sense of urgency when NFL free agency gets underway. Not Aaron Rodgers. While he’s never been a free agent before (and technically still isn’t until the Jets release him), Rodgers’ free agency market has been slow to develop.

According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette‘s Gerry Dulac, the Steelers are negotiating with Rodgers, but he may not sign today, or even in the next few days.

In fact, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that Rodgers is once again operating on his own schedule and that it could “be a little while’ before making a decision.

“He does things on his schedule, when he’s ready. And my understanding is this could be a little while. Now I don’t know if a little while is a day or a week, but my understanding is this could be a little while before he makes a decision about what he wants.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Aaron Rodgers

Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport passes along that “it’s either gonna be the Steelers or Giants” for Rodgers.

The Steelers just upgraded their receiving corps, forming a potent duo with DK Metcalf and George Pickens leading the way. Meanwhile, the Giants found their No. 1 WR last offseason by selecting Malik Nabers. Pittsburgh is coming off a postseason appearance and the Giants had just three wins in 2024.

Which situation will Rodgers prefer? It could be a matter of weeks before we find out.

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Pittsburgh Steelers negotiating with multi-time Pro Bowl QB, could still bring back Russell Wilson

Andrew Buller-Russ — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:59:53 +0000

Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesCharles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers had big plans this offseason after losing their final five games of 2024, including their lone playoff matchup. With no starting quarterback under contract for 2025, the Steelers had no choice but to be proactive, keeping all their options open this offseason.

Unfortunately, one of their perceived top targets, Justin Fields, has already signed a two-year contract worth up to $40 million with the New York Jets. Now the Steelers are reportedly targeting the man he replaced.

Pittsburgh Steelers chasing Aaron Rodgers, but Russell Wilson’s return is possible

Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers have to do something soon at the quarterback position, before all the best options are off the table. Right now, many would agree the best quarterback available is four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who’s expected to be released by the New York Jets on Wednesday when the new league year officially begins.

While Rodgers cannot technically sign a new contract with a different team until his release is processed, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette‘s Gerry Dulac, the veteran QB is already negotiating with the Steelers. Yet, that doesn’t mean Russell Wilson couldn’t still return as the Steelers’ starter next season.

“It’s possible Russell Wilson could return to the Steelers if ongoing discussions with Aaron Rodgers fail to result in a financial agreement, per multiple sources.”
Gerry Dulac on Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB plans

At this point, the Steelers appear to prefer a partnership with Rodgers over a reunion with Wilson. This is a notable difference, considering Rodgers is 41 and led the Jets to a 5-12 record, whereas Wilson is 36 and led the Steelers to a 6-5 record in 2024.

Yet, instead of picking the ‘devil’ they know, the Steelers would rather take a chance on a future Hall of Famer leading to better postseason results. When put that way, it’s hard to blame Pittsburgh’s decision-makers.

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NFL analyst blasts Cleveland Browns for making illogical trade to acquire QB Kenny Pickett from Philadelphia Eagles

Matt Higgins — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:59:35 +0000

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The Cleveland Browns added a quarterback, but it’s left some questioning what the franchise is doing.

The Browns acquired Kenny Pickett, a former first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, from the Philadelphia Eagles for backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

Pickett spent just one season in Philadelphia, appearing in five games and making one start when Jalen Hurts was sidelined with a concussion. He finished the season 25-for-42 for 291 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception.

Pickett will have a chance to start as Deshaun Watson will miss significant time after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon during the offseason.

One NFL analyst, though, called the Browns’ trade for Pickett illogical.

NFL analyst questions why Cleveland Browns traded draft pick to Philadelphia Eagles for Kenny Pickett

ESPN’s Seth Walder questioned why the Browns would expend a draft pick on Pickett as they are up against the cap wall and will pay him more ($2.6 million) than what the Eagles did in 2024 ($2 million).

“The Browns need a quarterback, don’t get me wrong. I just don’t believe that the team — which is highly leveraged against the cap and needs all the draft capital it can muster — ought to be burning picks on someone like Pickett. The former first-rounder — who ranked 20th in QBR his rookie season but dropped to 27th in 2023 before being discarded by the Steelers — has plenty of equivalents who could surely be acquired without giving up a fifth-round pick (and Thompson-Robinson),” Walder writes.

He continues, “Cleveland’s focus at quarterback surely is on the draft, and rightfully so. But the Browns probably could have done just as well, and maybe better (Kirk Cousins?!) without having to make this deal.”

According to OverTheCap.com, the Browns have just $10.8 million in cap space for 2025.

The Browns own the second overall pick in the upcoming draft and could select either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders as their quarterback of the future, if available.

Watson, who has become one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL since the Browns traded for him, still has two years left on his five-year, $230 million contract.

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NFL rumors reveal how much long Aaron Rodgers might play amid decision between Steelers, Giants

Matt Johnson — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:59:12 +0000

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers are competing for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in NFL free agency, hopeful the future Hall of Famer can uplift their offense in 2025. Amid plenty of NFL rumors on which team Rodgers will sign with, there’s now some insight into his long-term future.

Rodgers, age 41, showed signs of improvement late last season with the New York Jets as he got further removed from Achilles surgery. The late-season stretch provided some teams around the league with confidence that the four-time NFL MVP could still be a quality starter.

Aaron Rodgers stats 2024 (ESPN): 3,897 passing yards, 28-11 TD-INT, 63% completion rate, 6.7 ypa, 90.5 QB rating, 40 sacks taken

However, it was unknown whether or not Rodgers wanted to keep playing football. He answered that quickly by campaigning for the Jets to bring him back next season, but the team moved on from him. Now, the 10-time Pro Bowl selection is weighing opportunities with the Steelers and Giants. Amid speculation over which team he picks, there’s another interesting wrinkle to consider.

Appearing on ESPN’s Get Up, senior NFL reporter Dan Graziano shared that there’s a “perception” around the league that Rodgers wants to play two more years.

Aaron Rodgers career stats: 102.6 QB rating, 62,952 passing yards, 503-116 TD-INT, 153-87-1 record, 7.6 ypa, 65.1% completion rate

That timeline might not necessarily align with what the Giants want, given the persistent NFL rumors that the team would like to trade up for the first overall pick to draft Cam Ward. Even if New York doesn’t draft a quarterback in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, it will likely be taking one early in 2026.

Pittsburgh could be more receptive to Rodgers playing two more seasons. Mike Tomlin remains one of the best coaches in the NFL and DK Metcalf just signed a five-year contract extension. Rodgers could potentially be the Steelers quarterback for the next two seasons, giving the franchise two chances at contention. If the team falls short of its Super Bowl aspirations after that, the organization could do a full reset and move on from both Rodgers and Tomlin.

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Justin Fields making specific demands in potential return to Pittsburgh Steelers

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:49:35 +0000

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesStephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Will the Pittsburgh Steelers sign Justin Fields to be their starting quarterback in 2025? Neither he nor Russell Wilson have a new contract in place for next season.

Rumors are also swirling that the Steelers are considering signing Sam Darnold or pursuing Aaron Rodgers, but Fields is the quarterback they’re already familiar with. Still, that doesn’t automatically mean he’ll be back.

Justin Fields wants to be named Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting QB if he returns

Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Justin Fields would like to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but possibly only as their starting quarterback instead of as a backup.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, Fields is indeed interested in returning to Pittsburgh, but he’s not ready to sign another contract in Pittsburgh unless they’re ready to commit to him as their starting quarterback in 2025.

Fields ended up starting in six games for the Steelers last season, where he led Pittsburgh to a respectable 4-2 record. Still just 26, the former first-round pick may have some untapped potential in his arm.

Fields is also said to be generating interest from the New York Jets, who also need a new starting quarterback and have a top-10 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Steelers don’t have a first-round selection until No. 21.

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NFL rumors reveal new star QB emerging as option for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025

Matt Johnson — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:57:57 +0000

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The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised many on Sunday by trading a second-round pick for wide receiver George Pickens, adding a Pro Bowl offensive weapon to strengthen the offense. With the receiving corps addressed, it appears Pittsburgh is turning to a new target in its quarterback search.

A majority of NFL rumors this offseason have tied Pittsburgh to Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Both veteran quarterbacks remain on the team’s radar, but the odds of signing a veteran starter off the open market seem to be increasing. The Metcalf trade also might have influenced the quarterback search.

On Sunday night, reports surfaced that the Steelers would make a contract offer to Sam Darnold. There will be significant competition for him, however, with the Seattle Seahawks reportedly poised to make an aggressive run at the Pro Bowl quarterback. It could be why another option has emerged.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Aaron Rodgers has emerged as a viable quarterback option for the Steelers. The future Hall of Famer is expected to engage in talks with the team this week, exploring the possibility of playing for Pittsburgh next season.

Following his report, Schefter appeared on UnSportsmanlike where he shed more light on the situation. While he acknowledged there has been a lot of buzz suggesting Rodgers will sign with the New York Giants, the four-time MVP winner is firmly on the Steelers’ radar.

As for Fields, who was benched midseason by Pittsburgh in favor of Wilson, he is drawing significant interest from the New York Jets and reportedly wants to explore that option fully. While a return to Pittsburgh is still on the table, Darnold and Rodgers seem to be the priority options right now.

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Pittsburgh Steelers trade for two-time Pro Bowl receiver, make him highest-paid player in franchise history

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:09:36 +0000

Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesEric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the offseason with a few specific needs in mind. One is to solve their quarterback conundrum, with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set for free agency.

Another, is to find another playmaker to pair with George Pickens, providing their to-be-determined 2025 QB with a cache of weapons to work with. We can already check item No. 2 off the list.

Pittsburgh Steelers trade for DK Metcalf, pay him $150 million

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Sunday’s NFL news delivered a blockbuster trade sending Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick (No. 52).

Trade compensation: steelers are sending a second round draft pick to the Seahawks and flipping picks in the sixth and seventh rounds, per sources. https://t.co/dIcb3mvRu6
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025

The Steelers are also signing their new two-time Pro Bowl receiver to a new contract. Before, Metcalf was set to enter the final year of his deal, but now the Steelers have him locked up until 2030.

Metcalf’s extension is a five-year, $150 million contract, which makes him the Steelers’ highest-paid player in franchise history. Yes, that’s more than former NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt makes, as he’s playing on a four-year, $112 million contract, worth an annual average value of $28 million.

However, Metcalf is one of the NFL’s star receivers, recording three 1,000-yard seasons in his six years in the league. He’s never had fewer than 900 yards in a single season. Now, the biggest question is who will the Steelers get to throw him and George Pickens the ball in 2025?

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Pittsburgh Steelers targeting Pro Bowl quarterback

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 23:03:35 +0000

Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesBarry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to decide which quarterback to move forward with. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are both free agents, but the team would reportedly be open to reuniting with either one. Yet, Fields is reportedly their preferred option.

However, the Steelers have had all year to work out another agreement with Wilson or Fields and they haven’t come to an agreement. This leaves the door open for them to target another quarterback, and now they’re reportedly ready to chase after a Pro Bowler.

Pittsburgh Steelers expected to make free agent contract offer to Sam Darnold

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On Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers and all other teams will be able to start negotiating with any of the available free agents. While they could work out an extension with Russell Wilson or Justin Fields right now, soon they’ll be able to make an offer to any of the available quarterbacks.

Pittsburgh’s plans could even involve targeting a Pro Bowler. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Steelers are “expected to make an offer to Sam Darnold.”

“The Steelers are expected to make an offer to pending free agent Sam Darnold, per source. Many around the league believe Darnold will wind up in Seattle, but Pittsburgh is doing its due diligence on any potential options ahead of the new league year.”
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on Pittsburgh Steelers

If Darnold were keeping all his options open, the Steelers would appear to be the best landing spot for him. They have an infrastructure that competes for a playoff spot each year, with Mike Tomlin never having a losing season in his 18 years as the Steelers head coach.

Plus, they also have a No. 1 receiver in George Pickens and the desire to add a No. 2 wideout this offseason. If they can add another weapon while reinforcing the offensive line, Pittsburgh becomes a very attractive landing spot.

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