The Pittsburgh Steelers could move on from Aaron Rodgers as they wait for the one-time Super Bowl champion to make up his mind, as the 2025/26 NFL season edges closer, by targeting the Indianapolis Colts’ Anthony Richardson.
The free agent quarterback market has dwindled significantly with Carson Wentz and Ryan Tannehill the pedigree of what remains available, but neither offering a long-term solution to the likes of the Steelers or New Orleans Saints.
So instead of relying on fading veterans, Pittsburgh could explore the trade market by looking at the Cleveland Browns’ Kenny Pickett, however, a more intriguing candidate is the Colts’ Richardson.
Selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, is entering his third professional season but is locked in a preseason competition with Daniel Jones as the 23-year-old proves yet to live up to expectations.
He missed much of his rookie year due to injury and later losing his starting role to Joe Flacco, who is now with the Browns. Yet despite inconsistency, Richardson‘s physical gifts, elite mobility and one of the strongest arms in the NFL, still make him an attractive developmental option.
Richardson suits the Steelers’ offense
Arthur Smith has worked with mobile quarterbacks before and thus the offensive coordinator for the Steelers could be a perfect fit for the Colts’ QB if he aims to break away from any competition with Jones.
His ability to run and extend plays outside the pocket gives him a skill set reminiscent of Justin Fields, who departed the Acrisure Stadium in 2025, though some believe he may have a higher ceiling.
If Pittsburgh lands Rodgers on a short-term deal, acquiring Richardson could serve as an investment in the future. He is still on his rookie contract, a four-year, $34 million deal with two seasons remaining and a fifth-year option available for 2027.
He could become a particularly attractive issue if Indianapolis decides Jones is their preferred starter, Richardson may become expendable, especially as the season progresses meaning that a mid-round pick, such as a third- or fourth-rounder, could be enough to secure a trade.
Steelers linked to Allen Lazard
While the quarterback situation dominates headlines, Pittsburgh may also try to lure Rodgers by signing wide receiver Allen Lazard, who played alongside the 41-year-old with the Green Bay Packer and New York Jets, where he currently remains.
Bringing in Lazard could not only bolster Pittsburgh’s receiving corps but also serve as a strong enticement for Rodgers, who has yet to commit, by offering him a dependable target he knows well, particularly in contested-catch situations.
For the Steelers, the decisions made in the coming weeks at both quarterback and wide receiver could define the trajectory of the franchise heading into the 2025 season ahead of an opening day clash with the Jets on September 7. Which side of the field will Lazard be on?
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