The Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to solidify their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, but newly acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf appears unfazed, expressing confidence that the team has a plan in place.
Metcalf, who was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Steelers on Sunday, wasted no time committing to his new team. The Pro Bowl receiver agreed to a lucrative five-year, $150 million contract extension with Pittsburgh, despite the fact that the team currently lacks a clear-cut starting quarterback for the 2025 season. His willingness to sign such a significant deal suggests that the Steelers assured him they have a solution on the horizon.
Metcalf Trusts Steelers’ Leadership on QB Decision
Speaking with the media on Thursday, Metcalf addressed concerns about Pittsburgh’s unsettled quarterback situation. He made it clear that after discussions with head coach Mike Tomlin, team owner Art Rooney II, and general manager Omar Khan, he felt reassured about the organization’s direction at the most critical position.
“They made me feel like they had the right decision with who was going to be throwing me the football,” Metcalf said, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “I’m not making the decision in the quarterback room, so I’m just going to try to do the best of my abilities to help whoever they have out there throwing the football. They make the correct decisions to bring the quarterback in here, so I’m just going to roll with that.”
Metcalf’s confidence in the Steelers’ leadership suggests that they have been proactive behind the scenes in securing a veteran quarterback—possibly one with an elite pedigree.
Are the Steelers Targeting Aaron Rodgers?
The biggest name linked to Pittsburgh remains four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, who is currently a free agent. Reports indicate that the Steelers have made Rodgers a formal offer, but the veteran quarterback is taking his time weighing his options. At least one other team is believed to be in the mix, making Pittsburgh’s pursuit of the 41-year-old signal-caller uncertain.
Rodgers would provide an immediate boost to the Steelers’ offense, offering a strong arm and playoff experience to a team that has struggled with consistency at the quarterback position in recent years. His arrival would also be a game-changer for Metcalf, giving him an elite passer for the first time since Russell Wilson’s prime years in Seattle.
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Could Russell Wilson Return to Pittsburgh?
If the Steelers fail to land Rodgers, another familiar option could be on the table—bringing back Russell Wilson. Wilson, who played last season in Pittsburgh after signing a one-year deal, remains unsigned. While he was expected to pursue other opportunities, the Steelers could reconsider him as a viable bridge quarterback.
A reunion between Metcalf and Wilson would make plenty of sense. The two built strong chemistry during their time together with the Seahawks, particularly in 2020, when Metcalf posted career highs with 1,303 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
Having a quarterback he’s already comfortable with could be appealing to Metcalf as he begins his tenure in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Looking to Contend in the AFC
With Metcalf now locked in long-term, the Steelers have made it clear that they intend to build a competitive offense around him. Their ability to find the right quarterback will be a defining factor in their success moving forward, especially in a stacked AFC North that features elite passers like Joe Burrow (Bengals), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), and Deshaun Watson (Browns).
For now, Metcalf is trusting the Steelers’ front office to handle the situation. But with free agency heating up and the season approaching, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh’s next move at the quarterback position.
Whether it’s Rodgers, Wilson, or an unexpected addition, the Steelers’ decision will determine just how competitive they can be in 2025 and beyond.