ESPN Insider Gives Detailed Information About The Steelers' 2026 Quarterback Plan

The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up the 2025 season facing big questions about their future at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, now 42, delivered an above-average performance that steadied the offense, but uncertainty followed once the year ended and long-time Head Coach Mike Tomlin stepped down. Attention quickly shifted to whether Rodgers would return for another run in 2026 or decide to walk away. Even with that unknown hanging over the franchise, there is a growing belief inside the organization that the next option is already in place, as the Steelers have developed strong confidence in young quarterback Will Howard.

Rodgers’ future in Pittsburgh isn’t locked in, but it’s also far from over. After a 2025 season that felt like a reset for the veteran quarterback, there’s real buzz that he could be back in black and gold in 2026. At the same time, the Steelers quietly feel pretty good about what they have waiting behind him in Howard. Whether it’s Rodgers returning for one more run or Howard getting a bigger shot, Pittsburgh seems comfortable either way, and that’s not a bad spot to be in.

Starting with Rodgers, because all signs point to the door being wide open. Jeremy Fowler from ESPN reported that Rodgers is in a much better headspace at this moment compared to where he was a year ago following his two-year stint with the New York Jets. 

"[Rodgers] has emerged from the 2025 season refreshed. One source I spoke to said Rodgers is in a much better place coming out of his year with the Steelers compared with his previous two years with the Jets," Fowler said. "He greatly valued his experience in Pittsburgh, and teammates raved about him, both publicly and in exit meetings with the team. The Steelers have been open to a Rodgers return since early in the season, and I don't sense that has changed."

The coaching situation is another big factor. The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, and the first connection that fans and media started to make following the hire was the fact the McCarthy coached Rodgers for 13 years while with the Green Bay Packers. 

The combination of McCarthy and new Offensive Coordinator Brian Angelichio would make the transition seamless for Rodgers if he chooses to come back. Familiarity, communication, and a system that works with his style all line up in Pittsburgh’s favor. If Rodgers wants another season, Pittsburgh would happily welcome him back.

So what if Rodgers doesn't return? Will the Steelers look to draft a quarterback, or potentially bring one in via free agency? The answer may be neither, as McCarthy has expressed his interested in Howard since the moment he was hired.

"On the flip side, the Steelers really like how Will Howard has developed," Fowler said. "A preseason hand injury stunted his progress, but Pittsburgh believes it might have something; his command of the huddle, sharpness at the line of scrimmage and ability to ingratiate with teammates have stood out. Rodgers took pride in mentoring Howard, so another year of that pairing could be effective."

At the end of the day, it might come down to Rodgers more than the Steelers. If he feels refreshed, motivated, and ready for another run, the team seems more than willing to keep the partnership going. Despite a nearly all-new coaching staff, the path back to Pittsburgh looks pretty smooth. There’s no dramatic rebuild here, just a continuation of something that worked reasonably well in 2025.

However, if Rodgers decides he’s done, Pittsburgh doesn’t seem like it’ll be scrambling. Howard has already started earning trust, and the organization appears confident in what they’ve seen from him so far. That doesn’t mean he’s a guaranteed star, but it does mean the Steelers feel like they have a real option waiting in the wings.

Steelers Give Aaron Rodgers Final Decision Deadline

The Steelers ended up waiting until June last offseason to bring Rodgers into the fold, though that timeline had more to do with Rodgers taking his time than any hesitation from the organization. This year feels different. Pittsburgh wants clarity sooner rather than later, especially with big roster decisions looming, the front office doesn’t want another long stretch of uncertainty dragging into the summer months.

General Manager Omar Khan has reportedly given Rodgers roughly a month to make up his mind, stressing that the team needs an answer before free agency begins. With key moves ahead and plenty at stake, the Steelers are hoping for a quicker resolution this time around so they can fully map out their plans for 2026.

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