Feb. 15, 2026, 6:55 p.m. ET
It’s no secret the Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of concern surrounding the future of their quarterback room — but Pro Football Focus decided to address the elephant in the room anyways.
PFF’s Bradley Locker recently compiled a list of every NFL team’s biggest roster decisions heading into 2026 and — you guessed it — went quarterback for the Steelers.
“With the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy and retaining several assistants from his time in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers is expected to come back for a second season,” Locker wrote. “Rodgers’ first try in the Steel City was up-and-down, culminating in a 68.0 overall PFF grade with 27 big-time throws and 16 turnover-worthy plays. While Rodgers showed flashes of vintage brilliance in certain games, his play under pressure (38.1 overall grade) and hasty release (2.58 seconds, third-fastest) hampered the team’s offense.
“Now 42, Rodgers has the arm talent to still play, but his limitations seem difficult to overcome. If the four-time MVP calls it a career instead, then Pittsburgh would be inclined to pursue an option in free agency or via trade. The team selecting a signal-caller with the 21st overall pick, such as Alabama’s Ty Simpson, is also in play.”
While Locker hit the nail right on the head, some Steelers fans have been quick to criticize another potential year with Rodgers at the helm, despite the veteran playing at a high level during key moments last season.
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One could argue that an equally important decision the Steelers need to make is the plan of attack at wide receiver, as Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Calvin Austin III, and Scotty Miller are all set to hit free agency, leaving the Steelers with DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek as the only viable options on the roster.
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