The Pittsburgh Steelers need to find their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, but their options don’t look great. Ideally, they’d finally find their next franchise quarterback, but that’s easier said than done. Quarterback is a weakness in this year’s draft class. As a result, the Steelers once again find themselves waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide on his future. The door is open for the four-time MVP to re-sign with them, but he could retire. Analyst Pete Prisco thinks Rodgers’ return is the Steelers’ only option.
“The Steelers need him to play, let’s be real,” Prisco said recently on CBS Sports HQ. “As much as [Bryant McFadden] wants to prop up Will Howard, they need Aaron Rodgers to play. If he plays, he gives them a chance to be successful on offense… I think he does play, and I think Mike McCarthy knew when he took that job that he was probably gonna play.”
Rodgers had a fine 2025 season with the Steelers, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He was clearly past his prime, but his arm still looked powerful. The biggest issues were his limited mobility and his struggles under pressure.
However, the Steelers might be able to hide those weaknesses better if Rodgers rejoins them. Their young offensive line took steps forward last year. There’s reason to believe that it should be even better in 2026.
Also, Rodgers is familiar with Mike McCarthy’s offense, playing in it for 13 years of his career. Therefore, it likely wouldn’t take Rodgers long to pick it up. A different quarterback might struggle more to fit into or learn McCarthy’s system.
Are the Steelers doomed if Rodgers retires? No. He’s 42 years old and isn’t one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks anymore. The Steelers could find another quarterback who could give them similar production.
However, Rodgers might give the Steelers their best shot at being competitive in the playoffs next year. He has played in 23 postseason games, with a 12-11 record, including a Super Bowl win. It’s hard to find quarterbacks with that kind of postseason experience.
It’s hard to see the Steelers winning a Super Bowl next year with Rodgers. Still, he might be their best chance at winning a playoff game, which they haven’t done since the 2016 season. That shouldn’t be their ultimate goal, but it would at least be an improvement over the last few years.