Steelers 2024 Roster vs. Predicted 2025 Roster, Quarterback Edition

Well, the biggest question of the Steelers’ offseason was finally answered about a week ago, although it took three months longer than expected. That said, Steeler Nation now knows who will be the starting QB for the Black and Gold, and as many suspected over the past 12 weeks, it is the man we thought it would be.

I wanted to continue my series comparing the 2024 Steelers roster to a projected 2025 depth chart, and there is no better time to dive into the QB room given the recent addition of Aaron Rodgers.

Russell Wilson vs Aaron Rodgers

Let me tell you, if I had been told when Ben Roethlisberger retired that the Steelers would have Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson under center before finding their next franchise quarterback, I would have laughed you out of the room. But that is the reality, and honestly, it could have been a lot worse. The Steelers could have been stuck with Pickett and Trubisky. I’m glad they had the awareness to move on early enough and explore other options.

When it comes to bridge quarterbacks, two potential Hall of Famers, even at the end of their careers, are not bad choices. Now to compare them. Wilson in 2024 was serviceable and offered average or below-average quarterback play throughout his tenure. He brought energy to the team early, winning six of his first seven starts, but ended up losing his last five, including the playoff game against the Ravens.

Rodgers, on the other hand, did not see much success in 2024 with the Jets, as he was only a year removed from the Achilles injury that sidelined him for the entire season. From a talent standpoint, neither of them is at the level they once were. Still, in my view, as has been the case throughout their careers, Aaron Rodgers remains the better quarterback.

Rodgers can still spin the ball and read defenses as effectively as anyone. The main concern heading into his 2025 campaign with the Steelers is his limited mobility. However, with all that being said give me Rodgers in this one!

Grade: Better

Justin Fields vs Mason Rudolph

In 2024, Fields made a genuine case for why he should have remained the starter after his 4–2 start to the season while Russell Wilson was nursing a calf injury he sustained in training camp. However, Tomlin went “lone wolf” and decided that Wilson would be the better option for the 2024 Steelers.

As we all know, Fields has since moved to New York and will be Rodgers’ replacement with the Jets. They were willing to offer him starting bridge money that the Steelers were not ready to commit to. That left room for the Steelers to bring back one of their favorite sons, Mason Rudolph, who re-signed with the team after spending a year in Tennessee, where he split time with an inconsistent Will Levis.

When comparing the two, Mason has had more success in a Steelers uniform. We saw him guide the team to the playoffs during the 2023 season. Fields, on the other hand, never really had the chance to show what he could fully do. But when he was on the field, the 26-year-old looked like he was having his best statistical season. In those games, he produced 1,395 total yards, 10 total touchdowns, and just one turnover, which are numbers that stack up well.

With all this in mind, I think Fields offers the better quarterback play between the two. However, I still believe Rudolph is a solid backup behind Rodgers for the 2025 season.

Grade: Worse

Kyle Allen vs Will Howard

Allen saw limited action in 2024, but by all accounts, he was a solid locker room presence and someone who was worth bringing in around this time last year. Most of his snaps came in the preseason. However, the former Steeler did get one opportunity during a regular season game, where he threw a frozen rope for 19 yards, seemingly sparking a sputtering Steelers offense against the Cowboys.

Howard, on the other hand, was a National Championship–winning quarterback in his lone season at Ohio State. He guided the most talented team in the nation with effective game management, especially down the stretch and in the playoffs. Personally, I was higher on Howard than the sixth-round selection the Steelers used on him. I thought he was a good athlete with prototypical size, along with strong intangibles.

Considering this is the third-string quarterback role, I prefer the position the Steelers are in for 2025 compared to where they were in 2024.

Grade: Better

In my eyes, the quarterback room has seen two upgrades this year, with the most important being at the QB1 spot. I believe Rodgers will exceed what Wilson provided in 2024. Because of that, I see the Steelers’ quarterback room in 2025 as a clear upgrade over what they had last season, which is a great sign for those excited about the upcoming year.

What do you think? Do you agree with the grades I handed out? Let me know below!