The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially entering a new era after former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and the organization decided to part ways. After 19 seasons with the team, this is the most in nearly two decades that the Steelers' future going into a season is unknown at the helm. Pittsburgh has an abundance of options, not only at the head coach position, but also at the quarterback position. Getting both of these right could set up the Steelers for years to come.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin talks with Aaron Rodgers before a home game against the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season.
The Steelers were at a crossroads last offseason. After losing both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, the team was looking for any quarterback who could provide competent quarterback play for the 2025 season. After an exhaustive search, former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers became the guy.
Rodgers stepped in nicely for a Steelers team desperate for capable quarterback play, throwing for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns, as opposed to just seven interceptions. However, at 42, Rodgers isn't getting any younger, and he had by all accounts an excellent relationship with former Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, leaving his future in Pittsburgh now questionable at best.
Austin Bechtold, who is a producer on the Pomp & Joe Show, took to social media this week and laid out the Steelers' current options at quarterback for 2026. There's reason for Steelers fans not to be too optimistic.
"Steelers quarterback options: Bring back Aaron Rodgers, overpay Malik Willis, overdraft a quarterback in a weak class, give Mason Rudolph or Will Howard the football...not great," the post from Bechtold read.
While the Steelers do have these few quarterback options going into 2026, none of which are slam dunks by any means, bringing back Rodgers will be tough, given it's a complete unknown whether he'll even play football next season or if this is the last season of his career. Current Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis will be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason, due to his impressive performance when called upon in relief of Jordan Love over the past two seasons.
As for potentially drafting a quarterback, this is one of the worst graded draft classes in recent memory according to many pundits. After Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who's all but certain to be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick, there may not be another quarterback drafted in the first round. This is especially after Oregon quarterback Donte Moore announced that he's foregoing the 2026 NFL Draft to play at Oregon for another season. While the Steelers could take a quarterback in the later rounds of the draft, that quarterback would most likely be a backup to start his career.
Getty Images
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza looks to throw during a home game in the 2025 season.
How about the quarterbacks on the roster? Mason Rudolph has shown himself to be a capable backup with the Steelers. Being a starter is another story, however, and the Steelers opted for a 42-year-old Rodgers over Rudolph last season. For Will Howard, the jury is still out on him, as the sixth-round pick out of Ohio State has not truly had a chance to showcase his talents just yet at the professional level. The Steelers could very well give the keys to Howard next season, and treat it as a rebuilding year if it does not work out.
The Steelers will have to decide and decide fast if they want to continue competing for the AFC North title and playoff success, or rebuild and look towards the future. A rebuild, while common in the NFL, is not common for the Steelers. After all, the Steelers had 19 straight non-losing seasons under Tomlin. To deviate from this could be a gut punch to Steelers fans who aren't used to non-competitive seasons. However, with an aging roster and an uncertain future, a rebuild may be best for the new regime and the Steelers' long-term success.
Steelers' Quarterback Decision Will Come After Head Coach Hiring
The Steelers' number one priority is finding their head coach. Just one day after Tomlin and the Steelers parted ways, the team already requested to interview candidates, including Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores, Los Angeles Rams Passing Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, and Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula, among others. The Steelers will waste no time finding their next head coach, as the other dominoes, such as the quarterback, will fall shortly after.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Former Steelers defensive assistant Brian Flores stands on the field as the team practices at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Howard has championship experience, winning a national title with Ohio State in the 2024 season. Despite Howard being a sixth-round pick, given the Steelers situation and the lack of strong quarterback prospects in the draft, it might just be Howard who gets the first crack at being the Steelers' starting quarterback next season.
Who do you want the Steelers quarterback to be in 2026? Comment below!
#SteelerNation