Steelers Have Clear Top QB Option for 2026

As the number of quarterbacks eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft who have instead decided to return to school for another year climbs, the Pittsburgh Steelers' solution at the position for next season has become increasingly clear.

Though Aaron Rodgers stated that he envisions 2025 being his final go-around in the NFL after a 21-year career, perhaps both he and the organization could consider extending their partnership beyond the current campaign given the way the future Hall of Famer's tenure has gone up to this point.

That's not to say there hasn't been trials and tribulations with Rodgers behind center, though, as Pittsburgh just recently fell to 6-6 in Week 13 while "fire Tomlin" chants rained down from fans at Acrisure Stadium.

Now on a two-game winning streak and sitting at 8-6, however, Rodgers could be welcomed back with open arms in 2026 if the Steelers continue trending upwards and he decided to play for another year.

Draft Options Quickly Dwindling

With a vast treasure chest of draft picks as Pittsburgh gets set to host the event next spring, the long-standing expectation has been that the organization would look to select a quarterback early and possibly even trade up to secure one of the top prospects in the class.

Following middling seasons for many of the players in that category, though, it's rather slim pickings for the Steelers and the rest of the league.

As names like LaNorris Sellers and Arch Maning, among others, remain in college and instead set their sights on the 2027 draft, the Steelers are no longer in an advantageous position when it comes to finding their franchise signal caller next April.

Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Rodgers Now the Clear Option in 2026

With trades for some of the top quarterbacks who could change hands in the offseason, such as Joe Burrow and Kyler Murray, ranging from improbably to nearly impossible for one reason or another, Rodgers stands out as the Steelers' clear top option behind center next year if he wants to return.

The 42-year-old, despite battling through a lingering left wrist injury that forced him to miss the team's Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears, has recovered nicely and just threw for 224 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions with an 85 percent completion rate in a Week 15 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

On the season as a whole, Rodgers has put up 2,594 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 66.8 percent completion rate, which would be his third-highest since 2014.

It's not like Pittsburgh has a ready-made replacement on its roster in either Mason Rudolph or sixth-round rookie Will Howard, meaning that if Rodgers were to hang up his cleats, the franchise would essentially be left scrambling.

Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walk off the field after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

There is every indication that Rodgers has enjoyed his time playing for the Steelers, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler declared back in October that the organization would seriously consider retaining him if he were open to the idea.

"In fact, Rodgers' stint in Pittsburgh has gone so well that the team could rethink its 2026 quarterback plans," Fowler wrote. "The Steelers will scour the draft market for the QB of the future, for sure. They are already doing so. But if you ask people with the team whether they'd entertain the notion of Rodgers in the black-and-gold in 2026, the answer would be a resounding yes. He has maintained his elite ability to throw the football."

Nearly two months have passed since that report came out, but it's clear Rodgers can still play at a relatively high level, and Pittsburgh should certainly look to bring him back into the fold next season if he wants to keep his career going.

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