The Pittsburgh Steelers made it clear throughout the leadup to the new league year that they would prefer to bring back one of Justin Fields or Russell Wilson to be their starting quarterback in 2025. However, with the legal tampering period on the horizon, Pittsburgh has yet to sign either quarterback to a contract, leaving many to believe they will have to go outside the organization to find their next starter. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, they have a quarterback in their sights.

Russini reports that the Steelers are expected to make an offer to Sam Darnold.

“The Steelers are expected to make an offer to pending free agent Sam Darnold, per source,” Russini said via X. “Many around the league believe Darnold will wind up in Seattle, but Pittsburgh is doing its due diligence on any potential options ahead of the new league year.”

The Steelers are expected to make an offer to pending free agent Sam Darnold, per source.

Many around the league believe Darnold will wind up in Seattle, but Pittsburgh is doing its due diligence on any potential options ahead of the new league year.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 9, 2025

Darnold is coming off a breakout year with the Vikings, throwing 35 touchdowns and leading Minnesota to a 14-3 record and the top wild card spot in the NFC. That said, there are fair questions to be asked about Darnold and his ability to be a franchise quarterback. With the Vikings, he had a top three play-caller in the league in Kevin O’Connell, two of the best receivers in the NFL, a good run game, and a great defense – the Steelers don’t have a lot of that. While throwing a dart at Darnold isn’t necessarily a bad idea, there are real reasons to be skeptical about it working.