The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone through a ton of change throughout the 2026 offseason already as the coaching staff is nearly entirely different. However, there is a lot about this time period that reminds the fan base of a year ago. The main thing would be the gigantic question mark at the quarterback position, which also comes with the same waiting game that is being played with four-time league MVP, Aaron Rodgers. The veteran is currently a free agent, and he is deciding whether or not he wants to continue his playing career. The only landing spot for him seems to be Pittsburgh, but nobody truly knows what will ever happen when it comes to Rodgers.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.
Rodgers made noise during a recent rare appearance on The Pat McAfee Show a few weeks ago. He shared that he had not made a major decision yet, but he also made it sound like he had not been in communication much with the organization. He mentioned that no new contract had been offered to him as well. This came after both General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy said publicly that they would welcome the quarterback back in 2026.
ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor wrote on the matter on Sunday, where she shared that the two sides have been in contact, and the conversations have gone well.
"Though Rodgers hasn't given the Steelers a concrete answer on his future, the two sides continue to engage in positive conversations, and Rodgers is aware of the ongoing roster construction," Pryor wrote. "And if he doesn't return, the Steelers' moves would also work well for second-year quarterback Will Howard, who won a National Championship at Ohio State with the help of a dominant defense and physical run game."
The conversations between the two sides have been described as positive, which is as good as anyone could hope for at this juncture. The quarterback is aware of the roster moves that have been made, and he has also probably been made aware of potential moves that could come in the near future. The roster needs to be better than it was in 2025 to bring him back, especially when it comes to the passing game. An addition like Michael Pittman Jr. is a step in the right direction.
Robert Goddin / Imagn Images
Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. catches the ball during his time as an Indianapolis Colt.
The big moves the Steelers have made so far include acquiring Pittman via a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, signing cornerback Jamel Dean, and signing running back Rico Dowdle. Each of those signings addresses a position of need. The defense should be better in 2026 as well, and the addition of Pittman gives Rodgers another weapon if he decided to return. Dowdle should also be considered an upgrade over Kenneth Gainwell, at least when it comes to production on the ground.
The Steelers also have plenty of draft capital when it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft. The franchise should be able to pick one of the top wide receivers in the event, while the organization also needs to address the left side of the offensive line. Hopefully Rodgers make his decision prior to the draft, but Pittsburgh's roster is beginning to look pretty good on paper.
Justin Berl / Getty Images
Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard talk to a ref before a home game in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Seem To Have Backup Option To Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers' future is up in the air, and if he does decide to retire, the Steelers won't have many options at quarterback. The clear Plan B seems to be Will Howard, which is something Pryor even mentioned in her article. She spoke about how the new additions on the offense would help a young, inexperienced signal-caller. Rodgers seems to be the front-runner to be Pittsburgh's starter in 2026, but Howard is seemingly right behind him.
What do you think of this report from Pryor? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
#SteelerNation