2026 looks set to be something of a reset season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, their first without Mike Tomlin at the helm since 2007, and newly installed head coach Mike McCarthy will look to usher in a new QB to lead the way in his first campaign in charge at the Acrisure Stadium.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy (middle) takes picture with Team Owner Art Rooney II (left) and General Manager Omar Khan (right).
There are a number of potential options being lined up, with veteran Aaron Rodgers likely to leave after his one season at the franchise, see the four-time NFL MVP return to something like his best.
The Steelers fought their way to the Wild Card game, where they lost out to the Houston Texans, leading to Tomlin calling time on his lengthy spell in Pittsburgh. A coaching change of that scale tends to ripple into how preseason expectations are discussed, including futures and win-total framing. In the wider sportsbook-content ecosystem, one label that often appears alongside those conversations is a caesars sportsbook promo code. Now the question is: who serves as the best replacement for the likely exit-bound Rodgers?
So, just who might the Steelers bring in to lead their offense? Will it be a first draft pick or a seasoned NFL campaigner? Here are some of the names being mentioned.
The connection between McCarthy and Rodgers, reignited in Pittsburgh, could bring stability, but the 2026 campaign requires a new signal-caller.
In the draft, the Steelers are heavily scouting Ty Simpson. His pedigree and poise make him a natural fit for the Steelers' traditional brand of football, though acquiring him could be risky. He has impressed scouts with his pocket presence and ability to make off-platform throws, making him a compelling option if the Steelers miss out on the top-tier picks, but some pundits are calling him a reach in the first round.
Regarding veteran trades or acquisitions, a surprising name gaining traction is Malik Willis. After refining his game and showing flashes of brilliance in recent seasons, Willis offers the dual-threat capability that McCarthy has occasionally experimented with.
Associated Press
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis throwing a pass against the Baltimore Ravens in a 2025 NFL game.
His mobility would add a dangerous new dimension to the Steelers' offense at Acrisure Stadium. Another veteran name circulating is Kyler Murray. If Arizona decides to pivot after another underwhelming season, Pittsburgh offers the stability and defensive support Murray has lacked.
Ultimately, McCarthy must decide between grooming a young star like Simpson, or maximizing the current roster's window with an athletic veteran like Willis. The decision will define the next era of Steelers football.
McCarthy faces immense pressure to succeed immediately. His resume, highlighted by a Super Bowl title in Green Bay and consistent playoff appearances in Dallas, proves he knows how to win.
Having had Tomlin in place for the better part of two decades, clearly, on the whole, saw the Steelers perennially in the postseason mix, and that level of consistency is something McCarthy will need to, at the very least, replicate in the short term to avoid any undue pressure on his appointment. His legacy in Pittsburgh will be defined by whether he can quickly identify the right quarterback, be it the raw talent of Willis or a rookie like Simpson, to pair with this championship-ready defense.