The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been a team defined by consistency and defensive identity. They haven’t had a losing season dating back to 2003, but as the 2026 NFL season approaches, a number of changes threaten that mark of sustained success.
One area that’s become a thorn in Pittsburgh’s side is the quarterback position. The situation has become one of the league’s most intriguing—and perplexing—stories. Fans are left wondering: Who will lead the offense, and already over a week into free agency, why hasn’t a decision been made yet? Let’s break down the possibilities.
Will Aaron Rodgers Play This Season?
The name Aaron Rodgers always seems to turn heads, and this offseason is no different. After former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped away from his role at the conclusion of the 2025 season, word on the street was that Rodgers wouldn’t play for anyone other than Tomlin in Pittsburgh.
That sentiment changed when the Steelers named Rodgers’ former head coach in Green Bay, Mike McCarthy, as the new head coach in Pittsburgh. McCarthy’s hiring instantly linked Rodgers back to the team. All that was needed was an official word from both parties—which has transpired to various degrees.
Last month at the NFL Combine Steelers general manager Omar Khan stated that he and McCarthy had both been in conversations with Rodgers about a reunion. He stated the talks were positive, that both parties understood each other, and that a decision would not drag on as it did last offseason.
About one week later, Rodgers, appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, danced around questions about a potential return in 2026 and went as far to say a contract has been put in front of him.
The 42-year-old Rodgers’ experience and ability to command an offense would be a boon for a Steelers team with no immediate answer at quarterback, but there are several factors at play. Last year, one of those variables was Rodgers new marriage. Another could be the change of guard with the coaching staff—Rodgers and McCarthy didn’t leave one another on the best of terms, but both parties have apparently healed wounds over time. Also mending the fences are former Rodgers colleagues hired to McCarthy’s staff, such as last season’s QB coach Tom Arth and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio.
Steelers management has to know if Rodgers wants to play this season. They could be weighing other options, as Rodgers would likely play one last season before retirement, something he had announced and walked back on last season. One thing is for certain: he’s not a long-term solution for Pittsburgh but he could be a short-term solution to buy time while evaluating younger talent.
The league is watching closely, as any move involving Rodgers would have ripple effects across remaining free agents and the upcoming NFL Draft.
Is Will Howard an Option?
For fans hoping for a homegrown solution, Will Howard presents an intriguing possibility. The former Ohio State standout has the physical tools to compete at the professional level, but questions remain about his readiness. Steelers coaches have reportedly been impressed with his leadership and football IQ, yet starting a sixth-round draft pick, and first-year starter, in a playoff-driven division, carries significant risk.
Could Howard be groomed as a bridge quarterback, or is the Steelers’ front office still looking for a more immediate answer? The debate highlights the tension between developing young talent and staying competitive in the AFC North, where competitors already have franchise signal callers in place, such as Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.
Furthermore, Howard’s “red shirt” season as a rookie provided little development with the previous staff. He was injured two weeks into training camp and eventually placed on injured reserve, unable to practice until roughly midway through the season.
That can be a positive and a negative for a young pro quarterback. The positive is Howard didn’t have the opportunities to learn bad habits from the previous staff, but it’s also a negative in that the previous staff saw him as a fit for their system. Will McCarthy’s crew view him the same way?
Is It a Smokescreen for a Draft Pick?
Some analysts suggest the Steelers’ indecision might be strategic. By keeping potential suitors and the media guessing, Pittsburgh could be positioning itself for the upcoming draft. Adding Rodgers probably doesn’t influence that decision, but it does impact whether Howard is viewed as a longer-term solution.
Many feel the optimism being said about Howard could be a “smokescreen” for the Steelers to sneak a quarterback in the draft.
While this year’s incoming quarterback class has been deemed underwhelming, a primary reason McCarthy was brought in was to groom Pittsburgh’s next franchise quarterback. The talk about Rodgers or Howard could simply be a way for Khan to backdoor his way into finding a passer in the draft. The team has already interviewed multiple draft prospects at the position and began their 30 permitted visits by hosting Miami’s Carson Beck.
What This Means for the Season
The Steelers have historically been deliberate with big decisions, and this could simply be another example of their cautious, long-term planning. Whether it’s Rodgers, Howard, or a calculated draft play, one thing is clear: the quarterback question is central to the Steelers’ immediate and long-term trajectory.
While Khan claimed the decision wouldn’t take as long as last year, he could be aiming at a potential draft pick first before pulling the trigger on bringing Rodgers back.
If all else fails, veteran Mason Rudolph or Will Howard could be the team’s plan as well, with the quarterback position also posing as a draft target, just to swoop in on another position as other teams feel desperation to jump ahead of the Steelers for their signal caller too.
The upcoming weeks will likely reveal management’s plan, but until then, the speculation will continue to fuel discussion—and frustration—among the fanbase. Yet, one thing’s for sure: whoever steps under center will have the weight of Pittsburgh’s legacy—and expectations—on their shoulders.