The Pittsburgh Steelers’’ search for the next franchise quarterback will continue on in the face of gut-wrenching news Tuesday.

After weeks of speculation that the Steelers had a shot at landing reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in a trade with the Green Bay Packers, the team Rodgers has called his own since 2005 came calling with a sweet, four-year deal worth $200 million, which will make Rodgers the highest paid player in the NFL.

In the same breath, longtime Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson found a new home, landing with the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster trade that gave Seattle picks, quarterback Drew Lock and tight end Noah Fant.

In light of all this, the Steelers have been left at the altar.

As it seemed the Steelers were prepared to abandon aspects of the old “Steeler Way” and grab high-end talent through skilled and gutsy trading, it’s now back to the drawing board with the two marquee names off the trading block.

Luckily for the Steelers, however, is that this year’s free agent class is among the most vibrant the league has seen in years, and despite the apparent weakness of the 2022 quarterback draft class, there are still names being floated who could find themselves donning the black and gold come the fall.

Free agency could bring a variety of names to Pittsburgh. Mitchell Trubisky, Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Teddy Bridgewater are all reasonable options that give the Steelers a chance to remain competitive in the North and the AFC at large.

If the Steelers want to make a deal, they could always look to Jimmy Garoppolo, or Deshaun Watson in a more unlikely scenario.

In the draft, the options are bountiful, such as Pitt star Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, Matt Corral, Carson Strong, Desmond Ridder and a host of other NFL-caliber quarterbacks.

However, only the fast-shifting market and the dynamics of the NFL will show the world who is the one to carry the torch from Big Ben and return the Lombardi Trophy to the North Shore.

Michael Guido

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