Steelers predicted to ditch Aaron Rodgers for QB who hasn't played in NFL since 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the presumed favorites to land Aaron Rodgers in free agency.

But if Rodgers doesn't end up in town, this could be what Fansided writer DJ Dunson calls a "gap year." And in that case, Dunson encourages a different quarterback signing.

"If this is going to be a gap year, Michigan Panthers dual-threat quarterback Bryce Perkins is worth taking a flyer on," Dunson said of the UFL star. "The 6-foot-3, 220-pound signal caller moves the agility of a much smaller quarterback and he’s all the rage creeping toward MVP considerations."

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Perkins made five appearances for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 but hasn't appeared in the NFL since. He threw just 34 passes that season.

The former Virginia star is a great athlete who can serve as a dual-threat QB.

"Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offenses have typically leaned on quarterbacks with wheels," Dunson writes. "In Atlanta, he experimented with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder.  Last season, Smith maximized Justin Fields’ during the first half of the season before turning the reins over to Russell Wilson. Perkins could look exactly like the flustered Rams starter who panicked in the pocket and relied too often on scrambling."

Perkins wouldn't have to be the starter. Mason Rudolph could hold down that role while sixth-round rookie Will Howard watches and learns.

But it'd be an interesting add of a player that still possesses at least a little bit of untapped upside.

It's unlikely unless Rodgers changes his mind, but if that happens, all bets are off for Pittsburgh's quarterback situation.

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