Pittsburgh Steelers at a Crossroads: Why Dominique Foxworth Believes Russell Wilson Should Be the Priority Over Aaron Rodgers

In a significant move this week, the New York Jets officially released Aaron Rodgers, marking the end of an era for the future Hall of Famer after a disappointing 2024 campaign. This release coincided with the start of the new NFL league year, and Rodgers is now on the market as a free agent. Speculation about his next move has already begun, with the Pittsburgh Steelers emerging as a potential landing spot. However, former NFL cornerback Dominique Foxworth believes the Steelers should rethink their strategy when it comes to choosing between Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.

Foxworth recently voiced his strong opinion on ESPN’s First Take, arguing that the Steelers would be making a mistake if they chose to prioritize Rodgers over Wilson. The debate comes as the Steelers, in search of a quarterback upgrade, continue to weigh their options for the 2025 season.

Foxworth’s Argument: Prioritizing Wilson Over Rodgers

Dominique Foxworth, who previously played for the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens, argued that the Pittsburgh Steelers should focus on retaining Russell Wilson rather than pursuing the four-time NFL MVP in Rodgers. According to Foxworth, the decision to let Wilson walk, after having success with the team, would be a costly mistake for the Steelers.

Wilson, who had a notable but inconsistent run with the Steelers last season, brings a unique skill set to the table, particularly in his ability to throw the deep ball. Foxworth pointed out that Wilson’s deep throwing ability pairs well with the Steelers’ receiving corps, which boasts two wideouts known for their ability to make big plays downfield. With the Steelers’ offensive line still struggling to provide consistent protection, Foxworth believes Wilson’s ability to launch long passes compensates for some of the offensive line’s deficiencies.

As Foxworth explained, the Steelers’ offense is currently ill-equipped to run intermediate routes or execute a traditional ground game effectively. In this context, Wilson’s deep ball skills could be a significant asset. Foxworth further argued that while Rodgers might sound appealing, especially considering his legendary career, his late-season performance didn’t impress him enough to warrant a significant investment. “I know people will convince themselves that he played better toward the end of the season,” Foxworth said, “but I don’t think he did. I’m not arguing that Russell makes them a Super Bowl contender, but I actually think he doesn’t make them much worse than they would have been last year.”

The Price Factor: Wilson’s Cost Advantage

Foxworth also emphasized the financial aspect of the quarterback decision. While he acknowledges that Rodgers has an illustrious career and is one of the best to ever play the game, he raised concerns about the price tag that would likely come with signing the veteran quarterback. Given that Rodgers is expected to command a substantial salary, Foxworth believes that Wilson, who could be signed at a much cheaper price, would represent better value for the Steelers.

Wilson, despite a lackluster 2024 campaign with the Denver Broncos, had a solid season with the Steelers, posting a 6-5 record in 11 starts. He threw for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions, with a respectable completion rate of 63.7%. While not a dominant performance, Wilson’s statistics are still far from disastrous, and his ability to run the ball with 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns adds another dimension to the Steelers’ offense.

Considering the financial implications, Foxworth believes that the Steelers would be better served by sticking with Wilson, who would not only cost them less but also provide the team with a quarterback who fits better with their current offensive system. “For the price compared to what I assume Aaron Rodgers is going to ask for, I like Russ in that situation,” Foxworth stated, making it clear that he sees Wilson as the more affordable and sensible option.

Aaron Rodgers’ Future and the Steelers’ Dilemma

While the Steelers have yet to make a final decision regarding their quarterback situation, it’s clear that Rodgers’ release has opened the door to several possibilities for Pittsburgh. The question remains whether the Steelers are willing to invest heavily in a future Hall of Famer like Rodgers, or if they should build on the progress they made with Wilson, who, while not spectacular, proved he could hold his own under center.

Rodgers, who has been linked to the Steelers, still has plenty of upside if he can stay healthy and find the right system. However, after a disappointing 2024 season with the Jets, questions about his ability to return to his former MVP form loom large. The Steelers would have to weigh the potential rewards of adding Rodgers against the financial cost and risk of bringing in a quarterback who might be past his prime.

Steelers’ Backup Plan: Mason Rudolph Returns

In the meantime, the Steelers have secured a backup plan, re-signing former quarterback Mason Rudolph to a two-year, $8 million deal, as they continue to wait for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision about his future. Rudolph, who was drafted by the Steelers in 2018, returns to Pittsburgh after a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans. His experience with the Steelers, having spent the first six seasons of his career with the team, provides some familiarity with the system and could serve as an emergency option should the team fail to land a top-tier quarterback like Rodgers or Wilson.

Rudolph’s deal, while not a game-changing signing, provides Pittsburgh with some stability at the quarterback position as they continue to evaluate their options. However, it is clear that the Steelers’ ultimate goal is to find a starter who can lead them back to playoff contention, which has fueled the interest in both Rodgers and Wilson.

What’s Next for the Steelers?

As the 2025 season draws nearer, the Pittsburgh Steelers face a critical decision at the quarterback position. While Rodgers remains a tantalizing option, especially given his legendary career and potential for a bounce-back season, Dominique Foxworth’s comments highlight the growing belief that Russell Wilson could be the better fit for the Steelers—both financially and strategically.

The Steelers have already invested in some key offensive pieces, including wide receivers capable of making big plays, and their defense remains one of the best in the league. What they need now is a quarterback who can manage the offense effectively and take advantage of those weapons, without costing the team an arm and a leg.

If the Steelers decide to move forward with Wilson, they will need to continue improving the offensive line and add additional pieces to ensure that he has the support necessary to succeed. But with the right system in place, Wilson’s deep ball ability, coupled with his mobility and experience, could make him a valuable asset for Pittsburgh.

As for Aaron Rodgers, his decision on where to play next could shape the entire offseason for multiple franchises. While the Steelers remain a potential landing spot, it’s clear that the decision between Rodgers and Wilson will have lasting ramifications for the Steelers’ long-term plans. The coming weeks will likely see the Steelers continue to evaluate their options and decide which quarterback can best lead them into the future.