Skylar Thompson, a quarterback with four years of professional experience including one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, now enters unrestricted free agency. His path to making the Steelers’ 53-man roster in 2024 came unexpectedly when injury struck backup Will Howard. Despite spending much of the season on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury sustained during early practices, Thompson’s presence left the team with fewer quarterback options—a rarity for Pittsburgh, which had been focusing on developing Howard.
Background and Team Dynamics Leading to Thompson’s Position
Originally selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the draft, Thompson joined the Steelers on a futures contract with some NFL game experience. For a period, he was their sole quarterback under contract before Pittsburgh signed Mason Rudolph, drafted Will Howard, and later inked veteran Aaron Rodgers. Despite appearing to be the odd man out, Thompson’s strong preseason performances helped him secure a roster spot and continue earning his place in the team’s plans, at least temporarily.
Evaluating Thompson’s Prospects in the Upcoming Free Agency Period
The Steelers currently have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard confirmed under contract, while Aaron Rodgers remains uncertain about his future in Pittsburgh. With Thompson now unrestricted and without a clear market—having already been released by Miami prior to the 2024 season ending—his return to the Steelers could provide valuable depth, especially since the team traditionally carries four quarterbacks into training camp. The retention of quarterbacks coach Tom Arth in Pittsburgh, despite offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s move to college football, adds continuity that might favor Thompson’s stay.
Team Priorities Amid Uncertainty in Free Agency and Coaching Changes
Pittsburgh faces a host of free agency decisions this offseason, but none appear as urgent as resolving the quarterback situation. While notable players like Kenneth Gainwell and Isaac Seumalo will test the market, they are not deemed indispensable compared to the critical need at QB. The team’s new coaching staff is shaping an entirely fresh scheme, making the offseason moves unpredictable, with potential surprises in cuts or trades anticipated between February and March. How the Steelers choose to proceed with Thompson will be closely watched as part of this larger strategic puzzle.
Implications for the Steelers Moving Forward
The decision on Thompson’s future carries significant weight in defining the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart. Retaining him could provide valuable insurance and experience behind Rudolph and Howard, who remain developmental focuses. Given the turbulent and competitive nature of the quarterback position, and Rodgers’s uncertain status, Pittsburgh’s choice will influence their offseason strategy and readiness for 2025. The evolution of the coaching staff’s vision and roster adjustments will ultimately determine whether Thompson remains a cog in the Steelers’ rebuild or moves on to seek opportunities elsewhere.
