The Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision. as the free-agent quarterback can choose to sign with Pittsburgh, retire, or wait for a different job to open around the league.
The expectation is that Rodgers and the Steelers will eventually agree to terms on a contract, and the future Hall of Famer will be the team’s starting signal-caller in 2025. However, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell also predicts Pittsburgh will pull off a bold trade for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Barnwell’s proposed deal has the Steelers sending the No.21 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and a 2027 conditional pick to the Colts for Richardson and a 2025 second-round pick, slated at No.45 overall.
“I like the fit for Richardson in the Steelers’ offense. His arm strength would be a terrifying combination with DK Metcalf and George Pickens. Coordinator Arthur Smith has incorporated quarterback run concepts in each of his stops, although he would likely need to lean into those concepts further with Richardson under center,” Barnwell wrote.
“He might not be an immediate starter if the Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers, but he could take a much-needed redshirt year and then start in 2026,” Barnwell added.
Richardson has had a rough first two seasons in the NFL, as the 22-year-old missed most of his rookie campaign in 2023 due to a shoulder injury and was uninspiring in 2024, tossing eight touchdowns to 12 interceptions. The former first-round pick was benched at one point for Joe Flacco and also dealt with more injuries last year.
With the Colts signing Daniel Jones, it’s clear the franchise isn’t fully committed to Richardson as their long-term answer at quarterback, and they could trade him for the right price.
Taking a flyer on Richardson, who is an elite athlete and has shown a bit of promise, would be a savvy move by Pittsburgh. The former Florida Gator would likely receive the opportunity to learn from an experienced veteran and wouldn’t be thrust into being the starter in 2025.
The Steelers are desperate for a long-term solution at quarterback. Though Richardson has struggled to begin his career, the dynamic signal-caller could become an adequate starter with some development.
Barnwell’s proposed package that includes a first-round selection and another pick is too rich to give up for Richardson, but if Indianapolis is willing to move the 2023 No.4 overall pick for a low Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, Pittsburgh should consider acquiring the quarterback.
