The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 season could be over before it starts if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t sign on for another year.
Once again, Steel City fans find themselves waiting on the future Hall of Famer to make up his mind.
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Rodgers is 42 years old but got the Steelers into the playoffs last seasonCredit: Getty
Just like 2025, there doesn’t appear to be a Plan B and incoming head coach Mike McCarthy will be desperate to get the band back together.
If Rodgers does walk away, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph would be in a fight for the No. 1 jersey.
The former in untested and the latter has already tried, and failed, in Pittsburgh.
There are a few dart throws in what is regarded as a weak draft class at quarterback but nobody behind No. 1 pick in waiting Fernando Mendoza is projected as a Week 1 starter.
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Pittsburgh icon Joe Haden thinks that minus Rodgers, the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns are in a better position at quarterback.
“To win in this NFL, you need a quarterback,” the former Steelers and Browns cornerback said. “Right now, I like the Browns’ quarterback a little bit better than the Steelers’ quarterback.
“We’ve gotta see what Will Howard does… My quarterback, Shedeur, is a little bit better than [the Steelers’] quarterback.”
Given the Browns’ reputation at the position, Haden’s analysis is especially damning.
Aaron Rodgers saga leaves Rod Woodson fuming
Hall of Fame defensive back Rod Woodson, who won Super Bowl XXXV in black and gold, is over the situation.
“What is it with these ex-Green Bay Packers quarterbacks, where they have to be talked about all the time?” he asked, during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.
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Sanders showed flashes of potential as a rookieCredit: Getty
“Brett Favre was that way for years… (now it’s) Aaron Rodgers.
“Is he going to play? I get kind of tired of it. Listen, if he’s going to play, just say he’s going to play.
“The team shouldn’t wait for Aaron Rodgers, they need to move forward.
“For this year, I think it’ll be something similar to last year, where I think they have a deal in play. (Rodgers) can say he doesn’t have a physical contract in front of him.
“Maybe they’ve talked about it, and need to hash out the terms for a one-year deal. But it doesn’t seem the Steelers are moving in any direction to get a quarterback.
“Or maybe they’re that intrigued by Will Howard, that he’s going to be that guy, if Rodgers doesn’t come back into the building.”
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The Browns also probably need to find a long-term answer with Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel in the building.
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Cleveland have long been linked with Arch Manning — a potential No.1 pick in 2027 — and if their rule change passes the ability to extend the trade-window for draft picks up to five years might help.
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