There are a lot of questions surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers and the future at the quarterback position. Ben Roethlisberger hung up his cleats after the 2021 campaign, and nothing has been consistent since. Aaron Rodgers played well in 2025, and even if he returns for one more year, it doesn't solve the issue that is present. The front office could delay for another season in drafting a QB high, but there is also some subtle optimism for Will Howard. Additionally, the draft, free agency, and trade market are all avenues that the team could potentially take in the near future to upgrade the signal-caller room.
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Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to unleash a pass as he runs through a drill as the team works out during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
Big names such as Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa have been connected to the Steelers, but that could make little sense based on the contracts that the two currently possess. If Rodgers does decide to retire, General Manager Omar Khan may elect to go after an under-the-radar option that could compete with Howard — and Mason Rudolph — pretty much immediately.
With free agency and the new league year roughly a month away, analysts are beginning to speculate about what Pittsburgh may do. Insider Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted a fan chat on Monday, and he detailed a couple of fresh names that could be ones to look out for. While the individuals aren't going to blow anyone away due to prowess, they may be more realistic in the grand scheme of things.
"Not sure we can assume that, BBB. But if he does, my top three trade targets would be Tanner McKee in Philly, Joe Milton in Dallas and ... maybe Jacoby Brissett? Basically a bet on upside or just a veteran stopgap," Batko wrote. "Draft-wise, Drew Allar will be a value eventually."
Joe Milton III is rather fascinating because the Dallas Cowboys traded for him shortly after Mike McCarthy's tenure ended. It likely means that during the pre-draft process, McCarthy and the Cowboys were interested in him. Tanner McKee has also performed rather well in the few opportunities that he has received, being one of the main reasons that Kenny Pickett was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jacoby Brissett would be the least exciting of the trio, as the veteran would be nothing more than a simple stopgap. He is under contract through 2026, and would be a relatively inexpensive option. If the Arizona Cardinals trade Murray, however, Brissett may not be available anyway. Overall, he wouldn't inspire a lot of hype in the Steel City.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy looks out toward the media during his opening press conference on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 which was held at Acrisure Stadium.
Most of this speculation will be completely null and avoid if and when Rodgers makes the decision to return to Pittsburgh. The Steelers would most likely roll with the future Hall of Famer, Howard and Rudolph. There is always the possibility of Rudolph being traded for a late-round selection so Howard can take over the lead backup duties, though.
The Steelers have ignored the quarterback position when it comes to a long-term planning perspective. The drafting of Pickett is now looked at as a disaster, and there has been little effort to try and rectify that since. Rodgers would likely give the team the best chance at winning in 2026, but that doesn't mean the franchise would be any closer to becoming a consistent contender. In the modern NFL, a dominant quarterback is absolutely preferred.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down intense focus in street clothes as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Could Think That Howard Is One Year Away
Howard has received a lot of hype, and one of the main reasons for that is because he didn't get an opportunity to showcase his skills in the 2025 preseason due to injury. Internally, there is a lot more known about the young passer compared to the external noise coming in. Overall, it would make sense for him to sit and learn behind Rodgers for one more year, and then get a shot to take over in 2027.
Do you think the Steelers are going to make a trade for a potential starting quarterback if Rodgers does not return? Let us know in the comments below!
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