The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a critical offseason, with several pressing issues to address following a disappointing end to their 2024 campaign. The team closed out the regular season on a four-game losing streak and suffered a humiliating playoff defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. Despite making the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, the Steelers haven’t won a postseason game since January 2017, leaving them stuck in a cycle of mediocrity over the past half-decade.
One of the biggest questions heading into the offseason revolves around the quarterback position. Russell Wilson, who started the majority of games for Pittsburgh in 2024, had a promising start to the year but struggled mightily in the final stretch of the season. His performances in December and January indicated that his best days are likely behind him. Meanwhile, Justin Fields, who started several games earlier in the season, showed potential with a 4-2 record, throwing ten touchdowns against only two turnovers. However, neither player secured the position long-term.
Both Wilson and Fields are set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason, leaving Steelers general manager Omar Khan with a decision: re-sign one of them or explore other options for a fresh start under center. Among the potential targets being discussed is Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. Alan Saunders of *Steelers Now* has suggested that Smith could be a viable trade candidate for Pittsburgh.
“Seattle brought in a new head coach, Mike McDonald, in 2024, and Geno Smith is entering the final year of his contract at age 35,” Saunders wrote. “It’s hard to imagine him staying with the Seahawks beyond this season, so why have him go through a lame-duck year?”
Acquiring Smith, however, would be costly. He is under contract for $31 million in 2025, meaning the Steelers would need to weigh the trade assets and financial resources required to make the move.
Smith has experienced a career resurgence since taking over as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback. The 34-year-old earned Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023 and helped lead Seattle to three consecutive winning seasons, including a playoff appearance in 2022. His accuracy has been one of his strongest attributes, as he completed 70.4% of his passes in 2024 and led the NFL in completion percentage in 2022 with a 69.8% rate.
As a seasoned and reliable quarterback, Smith could provide stability and serve as a bridge option for the Steelers. His experience competing in the tough NFC West could translate well to the AFC North, and his skillset—built around precision passing—would complement Pittsburgh’s offensive approach, which thrives on a strong running game and play-action opportunities.
While trading for Smith would come with challenges due to the financial and draft capital investment required, his proven ability to win and manage games effectively makes him an option worth considering. As the Steelers aim to end their postseason struggles and break free from mediocrity, Geno Smith could be a key piece in helping them move forward.
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