Steelers Have New 2026 Quarterback Situation Develop With Surprise Showing In Houston

The biggest uncertainty surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers over the next six months will revolve around who the team's starting quarterback will be in 2026. 41-year old Aaron Rodgers has played well, but he has yet to announce on if he will return to Pittsburgh or retire following this season's conclusion. The Steelers will have a few options to choose from to replace Rodgers either through free agency, the 2026 NFL Draft, or turning to those already in-house. One NFL quarterback that could have his name thrown in the hat currently plays for the Houston Texans.

When Houston's starting quarterback, CJ Stroud, suffered a concussion in their Week 9 loss against the Denver Broncos, it felt as if their season was falling apart. At 3-5, the Texans turned to Davis Mills to lead the team in Stroud's absence, and he has surprisingly played like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. 

Mills has led the Texans to three straight wins to sneak them back into playoff contention, including a 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. Since taking over for the injured Stroud, Mills has thrown for 856 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception, while also rushing for a score. 

Mills' 2025 success is a small sample size, but taking a look at what his on-pace statistics looks like would definitely raise some eyebrows. Underdog posted to X showing what those stats would look like.

"Davis Mills 17-game pace as a starter: 4,590 passing yards, 40 passing TDs, 6 INT."

This isn't Mills' first shot as the Texans' starter. Mills started 26 games for Houston during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, however, it was a much different result. The Texans won just five games during that span, which ultimately gave them the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, which they would use to take Stroud. 

Mills has looked like a completely different quarterback while filling in this season, and it may be a perfect opportunity for Mills to audition for other teams who may be searching for a quarterback in the offseason. Although Mills is under contract through the 2026 season, teams could bring him in via a trade, and that is something that Omar Khan should certainly consider. 

Jason Brown from Netflix's Last Chance U has noticed Mills' excellent play, and he believes the former Stanford Cardinal might see a big pay day in his future.

"Davis Mills is getting paid somewhere! Arizona, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Jets, Dolphins, Minnesota should be calling," Brown posted to X. 

Mills certainly isn't the flashiest name out of the available quarterbacks, but he very well could be the best available option for Khan and the Steelers if they decide to bring in a veteran quarterback. 

Steelers Have Limited Options At Quarterback In 2026 If Rodgers Retires

If Rodgers does indeed decide to retire following the 2025 season, the Steelers will find themselves in a very difficult situation. Although it has been rumored that the team will not bring in a veteran quarterback in the 2026 offseason, Mills is one of the few names that could be seen as a possible replacement for the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player. 

Of course the team could look in-house, with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard both being possible Week 1 starters in 2026. Rudolph was slung into action during the Steelers' Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals after Rodgers was forced to exit with a wrist injury, and played extremely well. Howard has yet to take a snap in the black and gold, but his size, talent, and collegiate success offers potential that many Steelers fans are anxious to see. 

Who do you want to see play quarterback for the Steelers in 2026? Let us know in the comments!

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