Here we go: again! It’s another Steelers offseason of speculating about quarterbacks.

This isn’t anything new to those who follow all of the happenings, or non-happenings, around the league for the last several years. Going back as far as the late 2010’s, Steelers fans already had Ben Roethlisberger six feet in the ground, clamoring for his heir to be signed or drafted to the team.

During that period we have seen several players who didn’t pan out to their expected potential, and others who were thought of as capable suitors who are no longer in the league. This offseason is no different.

While there’s no Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes (and flirtation with Mike Tomlin), there are still some names that are already popping up from various sources as replacements for either Kenny Pickett or Mason Rudolph. While I have been making strong statements as to why the team should stick with those two players, it’s important to note why some others might not be an upgrade for the given situation either.

That hasn’t stopped anyone using a crypto betting platform from making guesses at several speculative names who could end up in the Steel City. However, the Steelers may be better off without exploring these risks.

Here are three quarterbacks Pittsburgh would be better off avoiding this offseason.

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Justin Fields

If the thought of another failed high draft pick from Chicago doesn’t deter you, I’m not sure what will.

For starters, Fields is entering his fourth-year in the NFL with a $6 million cap charge and a big 2025 fifth-year option on his rookie deal looming. Any team interested in his services would have to trade the Bears for the privilege. No one is certain what they may cost at this time, but I’d argue that Fields isn’t going to be much of an upgrade over Kenny Pickett – especially for the cost.

Fields last two seasons account for 2,242 yards 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022, and 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 2023. He’s failed to throw multiple touchdowns in 21 of his last 28 games, and out of those, he only has a single 300+ yard passing performance.

If you want to say Fields is unproven or has gotten a bad shake due to being misused in Chicago, I might be inclined to agree with that sentiment. However, the same could be said for Pickett, who costs the Steelers far less (including no trade capital) to give a better shot with a new offensive coordinator in 2024.

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Russell Wilson

Wilson used to be my favorite non-Steelers player, so it pains me to say that his best playing days are probably behind him.

The crown jewel in the trade between the Seattle Seahawks and quarterback-desperate Denver Broncos two seasons ago, Wilson’s large contract and erratic play saw him fall out of favor with his current team this season. It’s likely the two part ways but it’s hard to envision how if the Broncos don’t find a trade partner, as Wilson’s deal will eat $85 million of their cap if he’s released this offseason.

A trade for Wilson isn’t wise for a trade partner either, as his next five seasons account for $35.4, $55.4, $58.4, $53.4, and $54.4 million in cap hits through 2028: when the quarterback is 40 years old.

For the cost, his on-field performance hasn’t been stellar either, with Wilson’s 30-game totals in a Broncos uniform total 42 touchdowns to 19 interceptions for 6,594 yards. That may not seem too bad until you realize an older, post-injury Roethlisberger bested Wilson’s numbers with 7,543 yards, 55 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions – and with a higher completion percentage.

Most folks don’t feel as if Big Ben’s final seasons were spectacular. If you think the same, then imagine paying more for less with Russell Wilson.

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Kirk Cousins

Should an expensive, 35-year-old quarterback be considered the future of a franchise?

That’s the question some teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, will be asking themselves this offseason, as Cousins is scheduled to become a free agent as his contract voids in 2024 with a $28.5 million cap charge.

According to OTC:

Kirk Cousins signed a two year contract extension with the Vikings worth $66 million on March 16, 2020. Cousins at the time of signing had one year remaining on his old contract worth $30 million making the total package worth $96 million over three years. $61 million is fully guaranteed at signing, including a $30 million signing bonus and Cousins 2020 and 2021 base salaries… Cousins signed a one year extension for $35 million in 2022…

Do we think the Steelers are in the market to pay a veteran quarterback over $30 million-per-year? How about $40 million or more, which is the going rate for at least 12 NFL passers, with three others sitting around $35-40 million (including Cousins’ current average-per-year).

Of those listed, Cousins has produced, but inconsistently at times. He had thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the previous three seasons before his 2023 season (which was cut short to eight games due to injury.)

Capable of throwing 30 or more touchdowns in a season, a feat he’s accomplished three times (and came close with 29 two others), Cousins also flip flops in the turnover territory, having six of his twelve seasons finish with double-digit interceptions.

For a team trying to turn the corner, the Steelers can ill-afford a large contract or short window that Cousins is playing with at the twilight of his career. I would assume that the Vikings are also in the hunt to bring him back, which would take him off the market. Should Cousins be available, however, he is still a name I would want to avoid long-term.