First Call: Steelers reportedly ‘getting closer’ on QB situation; Bill Cowher endorses Russell Wilson

We might have some movement on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback front, and it may be Aaron Rodgers-related.

Bill Cowher has some thoughts on what the Steelers should do at quarterback. A little controversy is following a new Steeler out of Cleveland. And we have an update on Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s record.

All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.”

Dragging on

NFL reporter Josina Anderson posted on social media that the Steelers may be getting closer to a resolution with their quarterback situation.

That resolution may center around Aaron Rodgers.

“Worth Noting: One league source told me earlier today that the #Steelers* feel like they’re ‘getting closer’ on their quarterback situation,” Anderson posted on Tuesday. “In their mind, that optimism pertained to Aaron Rodgers. Let’s see… if that sentiment is mutually* held towards the consummation of a deal, at some point.”

Worth Noting: One league source told me earlier today that the #Steelers* feel like they're "getting closer" on their quarterback situation.

In their mind, that optimism pertained to Aaron Rodgers.

Let's see...if that sentiment is mutually* held towards the consummation of a… pic.twitter.com/5QG2oju33Z

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 18, 2025

That “point” may be as late as the NFL Draft. That was the speculation of NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport earlier this week.

However, the protracted quarterback situation appears to be wearing thin with defensive captain Cameron Heyward.

“I want to play football,” Heyward said on his “Not Just Football” podcast this week. “I’m tired of talking about the quarterback situation. I’d rather have it done. I don’t know what ends up happening. I don’t know, man. I’m ready to move on in free agency. There is too much going on.”

Heyward seemed especially peeved with waiting on Rodgers.

“Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. It’s that simple,” Heyward said.

Is Cowher sour on Rodgers?

Appearing on Tuesday’s “Dan Patrick Show,” Bill Cowher seemed underwhelmed about the idea of Rodgers as a starting quarterback in 2025.

“Can he still throw it? Yes. Is he mobile enough? I think so. But does he really want to play? The longer you wait, you just have to wonder: Where is his heart, and how much does he really want to do it,” Cowher said. “I always think when somebody starts talking about retirement, they’ve already checked the box. So they’ve checked out to some degree.”

The former Steelers coach added that retaining Russell Wilson may be a better choice for the Steelers.

"I personally think that Russell Wilson is your best choice."

– @CowherCBS on who the starting QB should be for the Steelers next season. pic.twitter.com/EHx6CvqSTj

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) March 18, 2025

“I personally think that Russell Wilson is your best choice,” Cowher said. “It’s going to be a better offensive line room with (Troy) Fautanu coming back and moving Broderick (Jones) to left tackle. I think you’re looking at the best receiver corps you’re gonna have in a long time — if they can keep George Pickens. That’ll be the next conversation that you will have to have. Roman Wilson was a guy they were counting on last year. Calvin Austin III stepped up. I think the offense as a whole, with Arthur Smith in his second year, in theory, should take a step forward.”

Cowher made it sound like familiarity should play a role in the decision-making process if it comes down to a choice between Wilson and Rodgers.

“They had a chance to work with Justin. They had a chance to work with Russell. You know who they are, and they know the system as well. You lost Justin. Russell is still out there,” Cowher said.

From Wilson’s standpoint, Cowher also downplayed the five-game losing streak the Steelers endured at the end of the season, claiming that the strength of schedule and other factors influenced that result beyond just the QB play.

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‘Thorny’ exit

The Steelers officially signed former Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill to a contract in free agency Monday. On the way out the door, he got into it with Cleveland media personality Adam “The Bull” Gerstenhaber.

When word broke of Thornhill’s departure, “The Bull” criticized Thornhill for empty trash talk.

The only thing he stood out for was running his mouth and then not backing it up https://t.co/7vwNdaQ2iK

— Adam the Bull (@adamthebull) March 17, 2025

Thornhill replied, “Buddy, you’re a little obsessed, don’t you think? If you need viewers on your little podcast, just say that.” He also posted a picture of Adam “The Bull” next to a walrus.

A number of fans followed up by ripping Thornhill for essentially proving Gerstenhaber’s point. They also got on his case for apparently quitting on a play during a game against the New Orleans Saints last year.

You can see him (wearing No. 1) jogging on this play.

MVS! MVS! 71 yards ????

????: #CLEvsNO on FOX
????: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/gSFM2nlcCg

— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024

Thornhill (6-foot, 205-pound) is a six-year veteran who likely will be used in the role that Damontae Kazee filled the past three seasons in Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old has eight career interceptions but none in his two seasons with the Browns.

Looking for a streak

Alex Ovechkin couldn’t turn on the red light versus the Red Wings.

The Washington Capitals beat Detroit, 4-1, on Tuesday. Ovechkin didn’t score, though. So he remains eight goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894.

That said, Ovechkin did have an assist on Connor McMichael’s goal to make it 4-1 in the third period.

Washington goal!

Scored by Connor McMichael with 04:33 remaining in the 3rd period.

Assisted by Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome.

Washington: 4
Detroit: 1#DETvsWSH #ALLCAPS #LGRW pic.twitter.com/ESgJpXRQv5

— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) March 19, 2025

Ovechkin has 14 games left to break the record. The last game of the regular season for the Capitals is in Pittsburgh on April 17. Ovechkin’s last multi-goal game was Feb. 23 against Edmonton when he had a hat trick.

The two points for the Caps give them 98. That’s the most in the Eastern Conference. The Capitals have won seven times in their past eight games.