Aaron Rodgers needs to make a decision soon about whether he’ll return to the Steelers, as the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh might become more crowded.
There’s a “very real possibility” that the Steelers will look for a quarterback in the draft, serving as a backup plan in case Rodgers takes too long to decide or if he ends up not returning. According to ESPN, this strategy is being discussed seriously.
Brooke Pryor mentioned on “NFL Live” that while it’s quite plausible they’ll draft a QB, they likely won’t pick one in the first round. “They have other needs to address, but that’s late-round players,” she noted.
Rodgers is faced with a crossroads: either continue with the Steelers in 2026 or retire after a lengthy 21-season career, potentially heading to the Hall of Fame. However, that doesn’t mean the Steelers can just sit back and wait.
Pittsburgh’s executives are hoping for clarity by April 23, when the draft kicks off, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll make that deadline.
With Kirk Cousins moving to the Raiders, another veteran option has been taken off the table, leaving the Steelers with limited quality alternatives if Rodgers decides to leave.
At age 42, Rodgers is not the long-term fix. If he retires, the team would rely on 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and backup Mason Rudolph, neither of whom offers much reassurance for a franchise aiming for contention.
New manager Mike McCarthy is reportedly high on Howard, although the sixth-round pick didn’t play last season, casting doubt on his viability.
Pryor mentioned that McCarthy holds Howard in high regard and indicated that if it had been his choice last year, Howard wouldn’t have been available when drafted.
The Steelers hold the No. 21 pick in the NFL Draft, and there’s speculation around whether they might select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, should he still be on the board.
If they decide to wait, potential Day 2 or Day 3 prospects include Miami’s Carson Beck, Penn State’s Drew Aller, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.
McCarthy reported he’s been in touch with Rodgers, taking his future seriously. Still, the options available may not be favorable for Rodgers in the near term.
“I would just say he’s in a very positive situation,” McCarthy stated, noting that he aims to maintain ongoing discussions.
