The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering probably the most important offseason in the last two decades for the franchise. The team will undoubtedly look different when the 2026 season rolls around for Steeler Nation, as it'll be the first one without former head coach Mike Tomlin at the helm since 2006.
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Former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin speaks to the media after a 30-6 playoff loss to the Texans in the 2025 NFL season.
First priority is obviously to replace Tomlin with hopefully the next guy that will hold the title of head coach for the Steelers for another decade or more. Once the Steelers lock in their next head coach, he will have his hands full searching for who will be the next quarterback for the Steelers.
In what appears to be a bleak offseason for finding a new quarterback with a very thin QB draft class and not any proven, winning, veterans expected to be available this offseason, it won't be an easy task. The answer for what to do with the quarterback position however, could already be in place.
On his most recent episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, soon to be Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger discussed what scenarios are available for the Steelers' quarterback room in 2026. Running it back with Aaron Rodgers isn't high on many people's list, but it might be the best option.
"I don't think it hurts to try and bring Aaron [Rodgers] back," said Roethlisberger on the Steelers' QB plan for 2026. "If you can, if he wants to for another year. For the reason of helping Will Howard to grow for another year... I have no problem with Aaron coming back and helping Will Howard for another year."
It was clear in the playoff loss to the Houston Texans that the Steelers' offense wasn't up to par, and running it back with Rodgers at quarterback wouldn't be instilling a ton of hope for a better outcome in 2026.
Rodgers wasn't the primary issue with the unit in 2025, but he also wasn't proving to be a solution on a consistent basis either. However, if the Steelers are able to add another playmaker to their receiving core, and continue to develop a young offensive line, the offense could take a big step forward with Rodgers running the show in 2026.
Even with that potential of improvement, the biggest return on investment for the Steelers if they elect to bring back Rodgers might be the benefit he provides 2025 sixth-round pick, Will Howard.
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Steelers QBs Will Howard (left) and Aaron Rodgers (right) at mandatory minicamp.
Howard was one of the most hyped sixth-round picks by the fans in recent memory for the Steelers. Whether that is because he was coming off an impressive National Championship run with the Ohio State Buckeyes, or whether the fans were just happy to see another rookie in the room to provide hope, he garnered a lot of attention last offseason.
There is no doubting that spending his rookie year learning from Rodgers was a huge benefit, but getting a second season with that mentorship could be invaluable. Howard didn't get nearly as many practice reps as he wanted as a rookie due to injury, and didn't receive any in-game reps because of it. So a second chance to get those with Rodgers in the room could go a long way for his development into a franchise quarterback.
Steelers' Former QB Gives Recommendation For Their Next Head Coach
It appears the Steelers are locking in on their top options for their next head coach. Chris Shula and Brian Flores are two of the top names being considered according to multiple reports, but one other familiar name also is in the running and that is Mike McCarthy.
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Mike McCarthy coaching on the sidelines as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Roethlisberger recommended hiring McCarthy to be the next head coach of the Steelers as he checks a lot of the boxes. He has a proven track record, is an offensive-minded coach, and a Pittsburgh native. He wouldn't be a popular name for the next head coach from the fans, but it would make a ton of sense.
Do you think Rodgers should come back for another season and that he would be a good mentor to Howard? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Please feel free to share all of your Steelers takes with me on X @matt_papiernik and follow me.
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