Mike Tomlin’s offseason just got spicier. Former NFL safety Devin McCourty isn’t pulling punches on Russell Wilson. On top of that, NFL insiders are equally spicing up the quarterback conversation. Could the Steelers really be looking at a drastic shakeup under center?

McCourty didn’t mince words about Wilson’s performance. He reflected on how the Steelers have been rendered “handicapped” with Wilson not being in his best game on the Dan Patrick Show. McCourty said, “We fell in love with what Russ was able to do. Took over Pittsburgh. They went on little winning streak during that winning streak.”

However, he reflected on Pittsburg’s recent struggles. “The inabilities of the offense to get the ball down the field consistently. To be able to pick up short gains and drive and have 10 to 12 play drives. Like, that’s not what they do well. So when you’re relied on the deep ball nonstop and if Pickens doesn’t come out and have a big game, then that just leaves you so so handicapped.” 

His comments come as the Steelers prepare to face the Ravens in the wild-card round, riding a brutal four-game losing streak. Wilson had flashes of brilliance. He led the team to a 6-1 record after debuting in Week 7. But the wheels came off in December. The offense is averaging under 17 points per game in their slide. McCourty also praised Baltimore’s form coming into the postseason.

“What Baltimore is able to do over these last few weeks… I think they’re playing their best ball right now,” McCourty said. Is Wilson really the problem, or is this about a team failing to adjust when it matters most?

NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes Tomlin’s job is safe regardless of the Ravens‘ outcome. However, the quarterback situation is another story. “If the Steelers get blown out by the Ravens, then I will say they will take another look at the quarterback position,” Rapoport said. Wilson has had a respectable stat line (2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and just five picks). Despite that, his limitations as a deep-ball-dependent quarterback have frustrated the spectators. This Ravens matchup feels like Wilson’s final audition for Pittsburgh’s future.

The Ravens aren’t proving to be an easy opponent. They enter the playoffs on a four-game winning streak. This includes a 34-17 rout of Pittsburgh in December. If Wilson falters again, Pittsburgh might be forced to look elsewhere.

Aaron Rodgers: The Steelers’ Hail Mary option?

While Russell Wilson’s fate hangs by a thread, another name looms in Pittsburgh’s quarterback chatter. Believe it or not, it’s Aaron Rodgers. Longtime NFL reporter Peter King has floated the idea. “If I were the Pittsburgh Steelers… I would want to come in and try to get a quarterback who could make me competitive with Baltimore and Cincinnati in 2025. And that guy, to me, would be Aaron Rodgers,” King said on SiriusXM’s Let’s Go Show.

Rodgers is now 41. And he is far from his MVP form. But he’s no slouch either.

In 2024, he threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns for the Jets. The New York stumbled to a 5-12 finish. But Rodgers’ numbers suggest he still has gas left in the tank. On the other hand, defensive stars like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward aren’t getting younger.

Rodgers could provide Pittsburgh, with much-needed stability and leadership to make a legitimate run with their championship window narrowing. But acquiring Rodgers won’t be simple. He’s under contract with the Jets through 2026. Hence, a trade would come with a hefty price tag. Still, the Steelers must weigh the costs. And Saturday’s game against Baltimore could be the tipping point.

Another playoff flameout might force Tomlin and the Steelers to take the kind of bold step that transforms franchises—or sinks them further. Whether it’s Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, or someone else, the Steelers face a critical decision. And Pittsburgh fans won’t settle for another season of mediocrity.