Steelers May Have Unexpected Solution At Quarterback Next Year If Aaron Rodgers Retires

The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially AFC North champions for the first time since 2020. They got here by defeating the Baltimore Ravens in a Week 18 thriller by a score of 26-24 in a game that featured ups and downs across the entire 60 minutes of play. In the end however, the Steelers prevailed and will host a playoff game against the Houston Texans on Monday night. Pittsburgh will need to have their best performance of the season if they want to have a chance at winning their first playoff game since the 2016 season, and much of that comes down to the performance of Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and how clean the offensive line can keep him.

Depending on how well the playoff game against the Texans goes, Rodgers' plan for the offseason could be long and infuriating, especially if the game ends in a brutal loss. There's always a chance that Rodgers could decide to retire, leaving the Steelers with no option at quarterback yet again. However, an interesting and somewhat unexpected name has surfaced as a potential Rodgers replacement, should one be needed in the offseason.

On the latest episode of the Kaboly & Mack show, hosts Mark Kaboly and Chris Mack were discussing the potential of what could happen in the offseason regarding Rodgers. Kaboly proceeded to make a remark about the Texans quarterback room that could be perceived as interesting.

"If Aaron Rodgers does not sign next year and retires and the Steelers are looking for a quarterback, look for [them] to go after Davis Mills," Kaboly said. "He didn't really go into depth about CJ Stroud, but Davis Mills. Maybe [Mike] Tomlin doesn't really think CJ Stroud is that guy. Probably one of the many reasons they started the season 0-3."

The idea that the Steelers could pursue Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills in the offseason if Rodgers retires is an intriguing option, considering that Mills went 3-0 as a starter in relief of starting Texans quarterback CJ Stroud. Mills proved that he can be a capable starting quarterback, and should he become a Steelers quarterback, he would have many talented players on offense to spread the ball around to. It wouldn't be out of the question that the Steelers would pursue all options at quarterback if Rodgers did retire, and now Mills can be added to the potential list of quarterbacks the Steelers could pursue should Rodgers decide to hang it up after the season.

For now, the Steelers are likely focused on preparing for the upcoming matchup against the Texans in the playoffs, and not on the future. However, the future of Rodgers as the Steelers quarterback could likely hinge on how well the team performs in the first round of the playoffs, and if they play well yet still lose, Rodgers could likely return and any discussion of a new starting quarterback for the Steelers would be shelved for another year.

If the Steelers are going to succeed in the playoffs against one of the best defenses in the league, the Steelers are going to have to prioritize many key factors on offense. With one of those being to utilize the running backs early and often, one of the other major keys to victory for the Steelers revolves around Rodgers himself. In particular, this key fact may end up influencing whether or not Rodgers returns for the 2026 season.

Steelers Need To Keep Rodgers Clean In The Pocket

The Steelers will be facing one of the best pass rushing units in the league on Monday night. If they can somehow protect Rodgers and keep him clean all night, the team stands a good chance of winning, improving the odds that the Steelers won't have to look for a new quarterback like Mills in the offseason.

What did you think about Kaboly's comments regarding Mills being a potential Steelers quarterback? Let us know in the comments below.

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