The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a pivotal moment this offseason, particularly following a disappointing conclusion to the 2024 season, where they lost their last four regular-season games and were eliminated from the playoffs by the Baltimore Ravens.
Although the team has reached the postseason in four of the last five years, they have not won a playoff game since January 2017, emphasizing their struggle to escape mediocrity.
The quarterback situation is a critical issue for Pittsburgh. Russell Wilson, the main starter, displayed glimpses of his past success early in the season but struggled significantly towards the end, suggesting that his best years may be behind him. Conversely, Justin Fields, who had several starts at the season’s start, posted a 4-2 record, showcasing promise with ten touchdowns and just two turnovers.
With both Wilson and Fields set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason, general manager Omar Khan may seek a new starting quarterback.
As reported by Alan Saunders from Steelers Now, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith could be a potential trade target.
“With Mike McDonald as the new head coach in Seattle for 2024, and Smith entering the last year of his contract at 35, it seems unlikely he will return after this season. Why endure a lame-duck year?” Saunders noted. He added that trading for Smith will likely require a substantial investment, as he has $31 million owed under his current contract for 2025.
Geno Smith has enjoyed a career revival in Seattle, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023 and guiding the Seahawks to three straight winning seasons, including a playoff berth in 2022.
His passing accuracy is impressive—completing 70.4% of his passes in 2024 and leading the league with a 69.8% completion rate in 2022.
Smith could be a compelling option for the Steelers. Renowned for his precision, he might serve as a reliable bridge quarterback, fitting into an offensive scheme that relies on a strong ground game and effective play-action passing. His experience in the competitive NFC West may benefit him in the challenging AFC North, providing Pittsburgh with a quarterback capable of managing and winning games.
As the Steelers consider how to revamp or enhance their quarterback situation, Geno Smith’s name is likely to emerge frequently in conversations, offering a combination of experience, proven performance, and a clear contract value—albeit at a notable cost in terms of trade assets and salary cap implications.
