Steelers Criticized for Passing on Young QB in Free Agency

Analysts say Pittsburgh missed chance to add dynamic talent to offense

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:06pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing criticism for not pursuing free agent quarterback Malik Willis, who signed a 3-year, $68 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. Analysts argue the Steelers should have gone after the young, dual-threat QB instead of waiting to see what veteran Aaron Rodgers will do in 2026.

Why it matters

The Steelers' decision to sit out the Willis sweepstakes has raised questions about their long-term quarterback strategy, with some experts believing they passed on a chance to add an exciting young talent to their offense.

The details

According to Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano, the Steelers would have been a better fit for Willis, who could have played alongside offensive weapons like DK Metcalf and Jaylen Warren. Instead, the team appears intent on waiting to see if Rodgers, now in his late 40s, will join them in 2026, a move that has drawn criticism from analysts.

  • Malik Willis signed a 3-year, $68 million contract with the Miami Dolphins in March 2026.

The players

Malik Willis

A young, dual-threat quarterback who was a highly touted free agent in 2026.

Aaron Rodgers

A veteran quarterback who the Steelers are reportedly waiting to see if he will join them in 2026.

Gilberto Manzano

A writer for Sports Illustrated who criticized the Steelers' decision to not pursue Malik Willis.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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What they’re saying

“If I were Steelers GM Omar Khan, I would have pursued quarterback Malik Willis and given him the three-year, $68 million contract that he got from the Dolphins. Pittsburgh would have been a better fit with an offensive unit featuring DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and newcomers Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle.”

— Gilberto Manzano, Sports Illustrated Writer

“Strangely, the Steelers are again waiting around for a middle-aged QB with not much upside at this point in his career.”

— Gilberto Manzano, Sports Illustrated Writer

What’s next

The Steelers will have to wait and see if Aaron Rodgers decides to join the team in 2026, while fans and analysts continue to debate whether the team missed an opportunity to add a dynamic young quarterback in Malik Willis.

The takeaway

The Steelers' decision to pass on Malik Willis in free agency has raised questions about the team's long-term quarterback strategy, with some experts believing they missed a chance to add an exciting young talent to their offense. The move has sparked a debate about whether the team should have pursued the dual-threat QB instead of waiting on the aging Aaron Rodgers.