Behind the Steel Curtain
Would the Steelers bring in Darnold?
The musical chairs game of “What quarterback will the Steelers acquire” continues today as every analyst continues throwing different names and predictions in the proverbial hat waiting to see if they’ll be correct. While the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields seem to be the top names to watch, Ben Rolfe of Pro Football & Sports Network predicts that it will be Sam Darnold under center for Pittsburgh in 2025.
“Based on last year, it is fairly obvious that Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are not taking this team over the hump,” Rolfe said. “However, they were not blessed with the biggest talent around them, so even if the Steelers upgraded at the position, they should still consider adding someone like Chris Godwin or Keenan Allen as a reliable pass catcher. If Wilson and Fields are not coming back, then the best free agent quarterback is Sam Darnold. Playing for the Vikings last year, Darnold produced his best season, finishing as the QB12 in our QB+ metric — above both Wilson and Fields. He still needs help to elevate this team to a deep playoff run, but Darnold would allow the Steelers to remain competitive in 2025.”
Darnold had a breakout year in 2024, throwing for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. And while he had a terrific season, it was with one of the top play-designing head coaches in the NFL in Kevin O’Connell and a great supporting cast of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and a great defense.
The Steelers don’t have the offensive guru under the headset, nor do they have a cast of top-notch weapons. They can add names, sure, but those will be the risks if they add Darnold. That said, he’s shown if put in the right situation, he can succeed.
