The Pittsburgh Steelers made a major move by acquiring star wide receiver DK Metcalf in a blockbuster trade on Sunday. This addition gives the Steelers a dominant playmaker, but it raises an even bigger question—who will be throwing him the ball? With Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen all heading toward free agency, the team currently has no quarterbacks on its active roster. Skylar Thompson, signed to a futures contract, is the only passer under contract, leaving Pittsburgh with a significant gap to fill at the most important position.
Roethlisberger’s Playful Comeback Tease Highlights Steelers’ Quarterback Uncertainty and Excitement
Following the Metcalf trade, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger jokingly hinted at a potential return. In an Instagram post, the 43-year-old donned his old Steelers helmet and playfully suggested that he might still have a few throws left in him.
Though Roethlisberger has been retired since 2021 and is awaiting Hall of Fame eligibility, his lighthearted comment reflects the excitement surrounding the acquisition. His post quickly went viral, with fans enjoying the idea of a legendary Steelers QB hypothetically returning to take advantage of the team’s new dynamic offense.
DK Metcalf (NFL)The Steelers have made it clear they want to retain one of their veteran quarterbacks, with Fields emerging as the likely choice. However, Fields is expected to test the market when the free agency window opens. The Metcalf trade could also make Pittsburgh more appealing to Wilson, who played with Metcalf in Seattle for three seasons.
Other potential veteran options include Sam Darnold and even Aaron Rodgers if the team decides to make a bold move. No matter what, Pittsburgh needs to make a decision soon to ensure its new star receiver has a competent quarterback under center.
Balancing Quarterback Plans and Pickens’ Future in a Revamped Steelers Offense
While securing a veteran quarterback is a priority, the Steelers may also look to the draft for a long-term solution. Pairing an experienced signal-caller with a young, developing quarterback could be a smart approach.
This would allow the team to compete immediately while grooming a future franchise QB. With Metcalf, George Pickens, and tight end Pat Freiermuth as targets, Pittsburgh’s passing attack has the potential to be explosive—if they find the right quarterback to lead the offense.
Another lingering question is whether Pickens and Metcalf will actually share the field. Before acquiring Metcalf, trading Pickens would have been a major risk. Now, the Steelers might consider flipping the 24-year-old wideout for draft capital, as he enters the final year of his contract.
However, keeping both receivers for at least a season could give Pittsburgh one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the league. The Steelers’ front office will have to decide whether to capitalize on Pickens’ trade value now or let the duo develop and reassess later.
