The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating a tricky quarterback landscape, and their latest miss could sting a bit. Kyler Murray, fresh off his release from the Arizona Cardinals, has inked a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. This veteran minimum contract, cushioned by the Cardinals covering his 2026 salary, is a savvy move for the Vikings at just $1.3 million.
For the Steelers, this means the focus remains squarely on Aaron Rodgers. General Manager Omar Khan has been clear since the offseason began: Rodgers is the primary target. While fans held out hope for Murray to bring some fresh energy to Pittsburgh, his Minnesota move was not entirely unexpected.
Murray's decision comes on the heels of Daniel Jones re-signing with the Colts and Malik Willis joining the Dolphins, leaving the Steelers with Rodgers as their primary option.
The Steelers' strategy seems to hinge on Rodgers, despite some skepticism. His numbers last season were solid at first glance-3,322 yards, 274 touchdowns, and seven interceptions-but deeper metrics tell a different story. Among quarterbacks with at least 100 snaps, Rodgers ranked low in key areas like EPA, success rate, and QBR (44.3), indicating struggles beneath the surface.
With Mike McCarthy at the helm, there’s hope for an offensive boost, but Rodgers will be another year older. His quick release last season, avoiding hits, raises questions about his ability to endure another grueling campaign.
The Steelers appear committed to Rodgers as their 'Plan A.' If he opts out, they might turn to 'Plan B,' focusing on 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard. Many fans are leaning towards this alternative, wary of what Rodgers might bring at this stage in his career.
While it's uncertain what Murray might have achieved in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are left with limited options in free agency, and the Rodgers plan remains a contentious topic among the fanbase.