NFL analyst name-drops a starting quarterback candidate for the Steelers in 2025 that goes beyond far-fetched
The Pittsburgh Steelers list of QB candidates for the 2025 season might as well be that of a presidential election at this point. Re-signings, veteran free agents, draft picks, and trade rumors have been flying left and right. And for the most part, even if you disagreed with the player, you can see a world […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers list of QB candidates for the 2025 season might as well be that of a presidential election at this point.
Re-signings, veteran free agents, draft picks, and trade rumors have been flying left and right.
And for the most part, even if you disagreed with the player, you can see a world where the Steelers might entertain the thought process.
That is until PFF name-dropped a candidate in their biggest needs piece that makes you pause…
Derek Carr a candidate for Steelers starting QB in 2025?
While Wilson seems to be the better fit on paper, his higher price tag and older age could mean that Pittsburgh turns to Fields. A wild card like Sam Darnold, Derek Carr or Aaron Rodgers is also very much in play, as is taking a quarterback early in this year’s draft. Even if one of Wilson or Fields re-signs early this offseason, it doesn’t mean that the Steelers will be completely done at the position.
– Bradley Locker, PFF
If this was the Derek Carr that we saw coming off his time with Jon Gruden and the Las Vegas Raiders, that would be one thing. Heck, if you said, the Steelers could receive the same level of play from Carr that he produced during the first two weeks of the 2024 season for the New Orleans Saints, that would even suffice.
But acquiring a soon-to-be 34-year-old QB who played in just 10 games last season doesn't seem smart.
Oh, and you would have to trade for him and his mess of a contract…
Carr, on the surface, seems like a QB who could succeed in an Arthur Smith offense. The veteran quarterback does his best work with a strong play-action game and capable blockers in front of him. That being said, with offensive line questions and a rushing attack that may not boast much upside, Carr landing in Pittsburgh would be risky for both sides.
Trading for Carr would need to be basically off the table for the Steelers, as his current contract is just too expensive. In the free agency pool, there are other options that probably won’t cost as much as him, either.
While I do not believe Carr was the biggest offensive problem over the past two years with the Saints, he doesn’t elevate a team enough for me to see much success for him in the current climate with the Steelers.
– Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans
So while the Steelers themselves are unsure of who will be their starter at the league's most important position in 2025, I think it's safe to say Derek Carr won't be in their plans.
