Did Steelers make QB mistake in free agency?

The Pittsburgh Steelers, somewhat questionably, appear to be sitting on their hands waiting to see what Aaron Rodgers will do in 2026.

And in doing so, they have wasted a chance for the franchise to get better.

Yes, Rodgers playing in 2026 gives the Steelers a good chance to win, but long-term? It doesn't do anything helpful for the franchise.

As such, for Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano, in a neat piece where writers act as general managers, one move he would have made for Pittsburgh is going after Malik Willis

"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," Manzano wrote. "Pittsburgh would have been a better fit with an offensive unit featuring DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and newcomers Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle.

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

More: Vikings poised to do something unusual at QB in 2026

Did Steelers miss QB chance in free agency?

Potentially, Willis would give Steelers fans more reason to hope, given his upside. However, if he crashes and burns in Miami, then fans will likely be glad the Steelers passed on him.

Still, Willis is an intriguing option and would give the Steelers' offense some juice in a way that Rodgers can't, given Willis' dual-threat ability. But Pittsburgh appears intent on waiting for Rodgers, a move not many are on board with.

Did the Steelers miss a chance at getting a young quarterback with big upside? Yes.

Will that prove to be a decision that haunts them? We won't have to wait too long to find out.

More NFL news:

• Vikings' J.J. McCarthy named biggest loser of free agency
• Buccaneers' 2026 prospects revealed after Mike Evans' free agency decision
• Analyst reveals brutal reality awaiting Dolphins' Malik Willis
• Analyst has Chargers in surprising position in power rankings
• Analyst delivers brutal QB reality for Steelers in 2026
• ESPN reveals Jets' $48 million mistakes still haunting them
• Analyst delivers brutal QB reality for Steelers in 2026