Aaron Rodgers contingency plan for Steelers could include former $128M quarterback
Context:
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in search of a starting quarterback for the 2025 season, with speculation around Aaron Rodgers possibly joining the team. However, with uncertainty surrounding Rodgers' decision, the Steelers are considering other options, including Carson Wentz, who has had a fluctuating career since being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. Wentz, once considered an MVP candidate, has struggled with injuries and performance but has gained experience as a backup to notable quarterbacks like Matt Stafford and Patrick Mahomes. His potential signing with the Steelers could be a final opportunity to secure a starting position, given his higher ceiling compared to the current quarterbacks on the team. The team's strategy in the recent draft and their current roster suggests they are still evaluating their quarterback prospects for the upcoming season.
Dive Deeper:
The Steelers entered the offseason needing a quarterback, as notable players like Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Kyle Allen signed with other teams, leaving Pittsburgh to resign Mason Rudolph and consider Skylar Thompson for their lineup.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers opted not to prioritize early quarterback picks, instead selecting Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round, indicating a focus on potential development rather than immediate impact.
As they await Aaron Rodgers' decision on whether he will join the team, the Steelers are exploring alternatives, with Carson Wentz emerging as a top possibility due to his experience and potential ceiling.
Carson Wentz, once a promising talent drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, has faced career setbacks with injuries and inconsistent performance, leading to trades to the Colts and Commanders before serving as a backup in recent seasons.
Despite challenges, Wentz's experience under coaches like Sean McVay and Andy Reid could bring valuable insights and skills to the Steelers, positioning him as a possible starting quarterback option if Rodgers declines.
The Steelers' quarterback situation remains fluid, with their current roster indicating a need for strategic decisions to strengthen the team for the upcoming season.
Carson Wentz's potential signing could be pivotal for both his career and the Steelers' quest for a reliable quarterback, providing an opportunity for redemption and leadership in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Steelers knew they were entering this offseason with questions at the quarterback position, as Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and Kyle Allen were all hitting the market.
With the three signing with the New York Jets, New York Giants and Detroit Lions, respectively, the Steelers brought Mason Rudolph back on a two-year, $7.5 million to join Skylar Thompson in their locker room.
In the 2025 NFL draft, Pittsburgh had opportunities to take quarterback prospects early, but they waited until the third day to select Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round, giving them three players at the most important position in sports who would probably be suited as backups this year.
While the Steelers continue waiting for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to make up his mind about playing in Pittsburgh (or playing at all), they may have to turn elsewhere to find their starting quarterback for 2025.
Earlier this week, CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo compiled a list of the Steelers' top options if Rodgers doesn't chose to play in Pittsburgh, and one of the top options he listed was Carson Wentz.
Wentz, 32, played collegiately at North Dakota State from 2011-15, winning five FCS championships in his five seasons with the Bison.
The Philadelphia Eagles took Wentz with the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft and made him the starter as a rookie. In just his second year, Wentz was in the MVP conversation before tearing his ACL. While he still made the Pro Bowl and earned All-Pro honors, he had to watch his backup, Nick Foles, lead his team to a Super Bowl win.
Wentz took a step back over his final three seasons with the Eagles, leading the team to a 17-21-1 record in his 39 starts while many believed the team should've stuck with Foles.
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.
He was traded again to the Washington Commanders the following year and was named the starter before an injury landed him on the bench and the play of Taylor Heinicke kept him there.
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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