The Pittsburgh Steelers face a critical decision for their quarterback position this offseason, especially with uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ return. Malik Willis, a raw talent from Liberty University, has drawn significant attention from NFL teams hoping to invest in a young signal-caller. However, Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo advocates for a more experienced option, favoring veteran Jacoby Brissett over Willis to lead the team.
Concerns Over Willis’ Limited Experience
Willis has shown potential but lacks an extensive track record that justifies a high-value contract and immediate starting responsibility, according to Fittipaldo. Despite flashes of talent, Willis has appeared in only a handful of games, completing just 155 passes over four seasons. Even with some promising performances during his time with the Green Bay Packers, he has started only three times and thrown 89 passes, a sample size Fittipaldo finds too small to invest heavily in.
Preference for a Seasoned Leader Like Brissett
Fittipaldo stresses the importance of stability and leadership, highlighting Brissett as a veteran who fits the Steelers’ current needs.
“I’m talking more like a Jacoby Brissett type of guy. A veteran who could come in here and help you win games and be a good leader,”
he said.
Brissett enters his 11th NFL season with a significantly higher volume of experience; his 485 passes in 2025 alone substantially surpass Willis’ entire career totals. Known for his careful ball management, Brissett maintains one of the lowest interception rates in league history, second only to Aaron Rodgers.
Limitations of Brissett’s Track Record
While Brissett excels in experience and reliability, his career win-loss record of 20-45 and absence of any winning season raises doubts about his ability to elevate a team. He has often played on underperforming squads, and it remains uncertain whether Pittsburgh’s situation could enable him to produce better results. Brissett is viewed as a transitional figure with limited upside compared to the promising but unproven Willis.
Risk and Reward of Choosing Between Willis and Brissett
Opting for Willis involves a significant gamble, but the potential payoff could justify the risk. Should Willis fail to meet expectations, his contract structure should allow the Steelers to move on without long-term complications, reminiscent of the approach taken with Justin Fields in New York. This strategy could open the door for a decisive push toward acquiring a top quarterback prospect in the 2027 NFL draft.
The alternative—signing veterans like Brissett who offer low upside—may stall the franchise’s progress. Fittipaldo emphasizes that avoiding risk by sticking with proven but limited players means the Steelers might struggle to advance to the next level.
