The Pittsburgh Steelers face a pivotal offseason following a disappointing 2024 campaign, which ended with the team losing their final four regular-season games and being eliminated from the playoffs by their division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. Despite making the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, the franchise has failed to secure a postseason victory since January 2017, leaving fans and analysts questioning their ability to rise above mediocrity.
One of the Steelers’ most significant challenges lies at the quarterback position. Russell Wilson, who served as the primary starter in 2024, showed occasional flashes of his former elite form early in the season. However, his performance declined drastically down the stretch, raising concerns about whether his best days are behind him. Meanwhile, Justin Fields began the season as the starter and posted a solid 4-2 record, demonstrating promise with ten touchdowns and just two turnovers.
Both Wilson and Fields are set to hit free agency this offseason, leaving the Steelers with no clear starter heading into 2025. This uncertainty has prompted general manager Omar Khan to potentially explore external options for a new quarterback.
According to Alan Saunders of *Steelers Now*, one intriguing option could be Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. Saunders suggested that Smith’s availability could make him a viable trade target for Pittsburgh.
“With Mike McDonald taking over as the Seahawks’ head coach in 2024, and Geno Smith entering the final year of his contract at age 35, it’s hard to envision him staying in Seattle beyond next season,” Saunders explained. “Rather than going through a ‘lame duck’ year, the Seahawks might be willing to trade him.”
However, acquiring Smith would come at a steep price. He is owed $31 million in 2025 under his current deal, making him an expensive addition in both trade assets and salary cap space.
Geno Smith has enjoyed a career renaissance with Seattle in recent years, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2022 and 2023 and leading the Seahawks to three straight winning seasons, including a playoff berth in 2022. His accuracy has been a standout feature of his game, as he completed 70.4% of his passes in 2024 and led the league in completion percentage in 2022 with a 69.8% mark.
For the Steelers, Smith represents an intriguing option as a bridge quarterback. His precision and veteran experience could mesh well with Pittsburgh’s offensive strategy, which relies on a strong running game and effective play-action passing. Additionally, Smith’s experience in the competitive NFC West could prepare him to thrive in the tough AFC North.
As the Steelers evaluate their quarterback situation, Geno Smith’s name could gain traction as a potential solution. While his acquisition would require a significant investment, his proven track record and ability to manage games effectively might make him a worthy gamble for a team eager to break free from its recent postseason struggles.
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