The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the next phase of what has already been a hectic 2026 offseason. The NFL Combine is set to start in the coming days, and the Steelers have plenty of roster positions of need ahead of the 2026 regular season. New head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff are awaiting an answer from quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a potential reunion. Should Rodgers not return, one former Steelers defender does not like the idea of the team bringing in free agent quarterback Malik Willis after hearing of his expected annual price tag.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers warming up before an NFL game in the 2025 season in Pittsburgh
On the Deebo & Joe Nightcap, former Steelers linebacker James Harrison spoke about the price tag of Willis and why he is uninterested in him coming to Pittsburgh should Rodgers decide to move on. While Harrison understands why the Steelers may choose to pivot to Willis, his uncertainty is clear on the young QB, and for good reason. Harrison seems to feel that the Steelers’ estimated $45 million in cap room would be better off being used more wisely.
"Looking at Malik Willis, and they saying right now his free agency bag is going to be somewhere between 25 and 30 [million]," Harrison said. "That is not a ticket I think we can go and do, unless we're 100% sure he's going to be the guy. Especially with the decision on Aaron Rodgers still not being done, not being out there, not being set in stone."
While Willis does seem to be a highly sought after free agent quarterback, the numbers are quite alarming considering the rumored price tag to sign him. In four NFL seasons, Willis has just six career NFL starts. Willis' best season came in 2024 with the Green Bay Packers, where he started in two games while throwing for 550 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Associated Press
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis throwing a pass against the Baltimore Ravens in a 2025 NFL game.
While the market is high on Willis, the sample size is so small and unreliable for him as a free agent quarterback. While there have been small flashes of what he can do on the field, it would make more sense to pursue someone like him at 25 to 30 million dollars had he been a starter in the NFL for nearly a full season. The lack of playing time is one reason the Steelers should be cautious should they have to shift focus from Rodgers to someone else at quarterback.
Steelers Have Other Options If Rodgers Does Not Return
The Steelers also have some other options on the table should Rodgers decide to not come back to Pittsburgh in 2026. With Kirk Cousins expected to be cut by the Atlanta Falcons, they could shift to a more reliable and proven veteran quarterback once he is available. The Steelers also have been mentioned as a team that could trade for Mac Jones, should the San Francisco 49ers decide to take offers on him. Both of these options would be more proven quarterbacks with a larger NFL history than Willis.
It is apparent the Steelers are not very eager to give another look at Mason Rudolph and may not even give Will Howard a chance, though McCarthy did mention that he likes what they may have in Howard. If Rodgers decides against reuniting in Pittsburgh with McCarthy, this could bring a big problem to Pittsburgh ahead of the 2026 season. However, this is one they can solve without dishing out upwards of $25 million on an unproven guy like Willis.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph getting ready to pass in a 2025 NFL game.
While the Steelers’ quarterback position still is not solidified, they do expect an answer from Rodgers about a return before the 2026 NFL Draft. Should he not return, that will give them the opportunity to pivot in another direction at the position. For the Steelers to find success under McCarthy, it will be crucial for them to not toss a bunch of money at Willis given his unproven play and the other potential options they can bring in as their signal-caller.
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