The moment that quarterback Aaron Rodgers decided to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, many journalists and sports commentators knew that this was just to temporarily stop the bleeding. The Steelers barely qualified for the postseason and were obliterated by the Houston Texans in the first round.
As of February 2026, there is no proven, reliable starter waiting in the wings if Rodgers retires or leaves. Pittsburgh’s quarterback room is currently filled with a mix of veteran players who are typically used for emergencies only.
Backup Plan Challenges for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 2026
Quarterback Depth Chart
The quarterback depth chart includes Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson, and even though this seems like it will be a temporary lineup, more issues are on the horizon for Pittsburgh.
Back in 2022, the Steelers had a chance to rebuild when they drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett 20th overall in the draft. But after things did not work well, he was traded for veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who was also one and done in the Steel City.
Former head coach Mike Tomlin abruptly resigned after the end of the 2025 NFL season. In his place, the Steelers signed head coach Mike McCarthy, trying to persuade Rodgers to stay for the upcoming year. If he does leave, then McCarthy is left with a roster full of leftovers and aged veterans.
General manager Omar Khan has indicated that the team is proceeding as if Rodgers were a free agent. If he does retire, the Steelers will likely be forced to overpay for a veteran in free agency or try to get a quarterback desperately in the 2026 NFL draft.
All of these signs signal that Pittsburgh may not be able to dig itself out.
The Backup Plan While Waiting for Aaron Rodgers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are putting all of their chips on the center of the table, hoping that Rodgers returns. Because of this strategy, they have not committed to a backup who is actually capable of leading the team.
Mason Rudolph is a safe backup option who has helped the team reach the postseason in the past. But he is widely known to be simply a career backup. However, he has the most experience in the group, but he is not the future of the franchise.
Will Howard was a rookie in 2025, but he spent his entire first season on injured reserve. He has yet to take a snap in the NFL. Because of this, the Steelers have no data or information on whether or not he will be able to lead the team moving forward.
Weak Quarterback Market
If an organization is shopping for a quarterback this offseason, expect it to be extremely difficult. There are very few quarterbacks available who represent an upgrade over a backup.
Rumors of the Steelers reaching for Anthony Richardson Sr. or Jimmy Garoppolo are in full swing, but both of these athletes are looking to join rosters that are complete to win now.
The front office is currently in chaos for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following Tomlin’s sudden resignation, management is under pressure due to the poor ‘team report cards’ (graded an F) regarding the team’s facilities.
This makes Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an unattractive destination for quarterbacks (or any player) who want to start. Once a historic franchise, it is now a hell for anyone to go to.