Steelers Definitely Won't Sign A Veteran Quarterback In 2026: "No, That's Not Happening"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an up-and-down 2025 season thus far. At times, the team has looked like legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and other times not so much, especially during their Week 10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. As we arrive at the second half of the season, some questions begin to arise about the team’s plans for the future, specifically at the quarterback position. Aaron Rodgers has played well for the majority of the 2025 campaign, but who will be taking snaps for the Steelers in 2026 remains uncertain.

The Steelers’ decision at quarterback could be one of the most significant choices of the Mike Tomlin era. When Pittsburgh signed Rodgers this past offseason, the move was viewed as a short-term solution for a franchise that’s been searching for stability since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season. For the most part, Rodgers has delivered. His leadership, accuracy, and experience have provided a spark that’s helped the Steelers stay competitive in the AFC playoff race. Rodgers has hinted at the possibility of retirement in the past, and after a grueling season, the decision may finally come down to how his body feels when the year concludes.

At first glance, adding another experienced signal-caller might seem like a plausible option in 2026. After all, Tomlin has leaned toward veterans before, bringing in Rodgers and previously Russell Wilson. However, not everyone within the Steelers’ circle believes that approach is realistic this time around if Rodgers doesn't come back. During his Wednesday chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, team insider Gerry Dulac quickly turned down any thoughts that the Steelers might look to bring in another veteran in 2026. A fan asked Dulac if Tomlin would push for another veteran QB next season. Dulac responded below.

"No, that's not happening," Dulac wrote.

That brief but definitive answer seems to shut the door on the idea of another veteran replacement, leaving just a few realistic paths forward. If Rodgers retires, Pittsburgh’s 2026 quarterback could come from within the building or from the upcoming draft. The two in-house candidates would be Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. 

Rudolph, who re-signed with the team in the offseason after spending 2024 with the Tennessee Titans, has long served as a reliable backup and spot starter. His familiarity with the organization could make him a steady short-term option if the Steelers choose to avoid a drastic transition. However, at this stage of his career, Rudolph is unlikely to be viewed as a long-term solution.

Howard, on the other hand, represents more of a wild card. The rookie out of Ohio State has yet to take a snap for the black and gold, but his talent along with his success at the collegiate level makes him an interesting prospect. However, reports around the organization believe that the team doesn't look at Howard as the franchise quarterback.

Steelers Could Turn To 2026 NFL Draft For Their Next Quarterback

If neither Rudolph nor Howard is seen as the future, Pittsburgh could turn to the 2026 NFL Draft. At this point, it is unclear to see where the Steelers will be selecting, but the question then becomes will the Steelers have to trade-up in order to grab a talented quarterback. The Steelers have a large selection of draft picks at their disposal, and trading multiple picks to climb up and take a quarterback is definitely on the table.

Drafting a quarterback is one thing, but to throw that quarterback into the fire is another. If the Steelers do indeed draft a quarterback, they will then have to decide if they want that rookie to be under center in Week 1 of the 2026 season, or if they will potentially look to Rudolph or Howard to hold down the fort until that rookie is ready. 

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