The Pittsburgh Steelers have to come up with a plan for quarterback next season while Aaron Rodgers sorts out his future.
More News: Source: Rams Still Figuring out Kliff Kingsbury’s Role
Rodgers, 42, could retire, return to Pittsburgh, or join the Minnesota Vikings. His former teammate with the Green Bay Packers, Vikings running back Aaron Jones, advocated for Rodgers to join him in Minnesota for the upcoming season during a media appearance last week.
The Steelers have multiple options at quarterback for new head coach Mike McCarthy, who worked with Rodgers in Green Bay. Pittsburgh drafted former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 draft. Mason Rudolph is still under contract for the upcoming season.
More News: Packers’ Matt LaFleur Forced to Move On From Coach He Wanted to Keep
Nick Shook with NFL Media connected veteran quarterback Derek Carr to the Steelers. Carr could unretire before the 2026 season and give Pittsburgh a veteran quarterback with Pro Bowl experience.
“Pittsburgh lacks a young candidate at the position and maintains an expectation to contend immediately after Aaron Rodgers helped them win the AFC North in 2025, making for a natural fit for Carr — unless, of course, Rodgers returns for a second season,” Shook wrote.
“There are questions to answer, though, starting with how Carr might align with new head coach Mike McCarthy. On paper, the rest of the situation should entice Carr, including the presence of DK Metcalf and the possibility that Carr could make it a multi-season home if things go well.”
Shook thinks the Steelers would need to add depth at wide receiver to convince Carr to sign this offseason. Besides DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh is lacking targets for a competent signal-caller.
If Carr or Rodgers choose not to sign, the Steelers could look at drafting a quarterback like Ty Simpson out of Alabama.
Carr was a second-round pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2014. He’s earned four Pro Bowl nominations.
The former Fresno State product has thrown for 41,245 yards, 257 touchdowns and 112 interceptions in his 11-year career. Carr is 77-92 as a starter in the league.
For more on the Steelers and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.