Steelers' Potential Quarterback For The 2026 Season Will Make Fans Frustrated As Horrendous Trend Could Continue

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been stuck in quarterback purgatory ever since Ben Roethlisberger decided to retire after the 2021 season. The organization has already tried drafting a QB in the first round of the NFL Draft, and ever since that did not work out, signing veteran quarterbacks has been the solution. In 2024, it was Russell Wilson, and in 2025, it has been Aaron Rodgers. Both players had good moments with the Steelers and Rodgers has played well for the most part, but much of the fan base is tired of the Band-Aid fix at the position. Fans want to see a franchise signal-caller again, and the best way to get one is in the draft. 

There is a chance that Rodgers could be back for the 2026 season, but he is only on a one-year deal currently and retirement seems like a real possibility for the four-time league MVP. That could leave Pittsburgh starting a different quarterback in Week 1 for the fifth straight season, and the only question is who that quarterback will be. 

ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell discussed the 2026 quarterback carousel in a recent article, and he gave some options for the Steelers to consider for the 2026 season.

"Will there be a veteran who represents a significant upgrade available via trade or in free agency?" Barnwell asked. "Unless the Steelers feel strongly about [Kyler] Murray (and the Cardinals do decide to move on from him), the answer is probably not, which could mean another go-round with Rodgers if he wants to keep playing. The alternatives might be someone such as Kirk Cousins or Joe Flacco, who profile as higher-variance versions of Rodgers."

Barnwell wondered if there is a clear upgrade over Rodgers that will be available in free agency or via trade, and the only name he brought up was Kyler Murray. There is no certainty that Murray is an upgrade over Rodgers. He has struggled immensely over the last couple seasons, and his soft-benching in 2025 shouldn't inspire any franchise to pursue him as a starter.

Murray should not be an option for Pittsburgh, especially because of his current contract. The only world he should be considered if he is released in a similar fashion to the way Wilson was from the Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh could then sign Murray for cheap. Other options mentioned by Barnwell included Joe Flacco and Kirk Cousins, or another year of Rodgers.

While Flacco, Cousins, and Rodgers could win some games for Pittsburgh, the fan base wants more than just winning games. The franchise needs to take a step forward, and that means doing some sort of a rebuild during the 2026 offseason. Many fans want the team to take a swing on a quarterback early on in the 2026 NFL Draft, or decide to start Will Howard and give him a chance for a season. Pittsburgh has shown time and time again that it will not be a contender regardless of how many desperation moves are made. The quarterback situation needs to be solved first and foremost, and that won't happen by bringing in another past-their-prime veteran at the position.

Steelers Should View Will Howard As A Legitimate Starting Option In 2026

Pittsburgh drafted Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but he suffered an injury during training camp and never got to see the field during the preseason. He was finally activated off of Injured Reserve during Week 11, and hopefully the coaching staff sees some good development during practice. The rookie quarterback has the build of a starter, and he also has enough mobility to get around at the NFL level.

Howard should be given a shot to start at some point, and he should certainly be considered for the 2026 season. Pundits say it is better to get a young guy in at the position, then go with an aging veteran for the third straight season.

What do you think about the Steelers' options at quarterback for 2026? Let us know in the comments below!

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