The Pittsburgh Steelers officially started another new league year without having a clue about who will be the team's starting quarterback in 2026. At least, that is what is believed by the public as a whole. The organization continues to use one-year band-aid solutions at the most important position in all of sports and, at some point, a permanent fix needs to be in place. For now, Aaron Rodgers could absolutely return for a second campaign in the Steel City, but that certainly does not solve any of the long-term issues that the franchise is facing regarding the depth chart.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers takes a knee and looks off into the distance as the team gets ready to participate during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers have 12 overall selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, so the front office could decide that it makes sense to take a signal-caller at some point. However, with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the roster, taking a quarterback would signal that one of the two could be on their way out — if Rodgers does indeed return to play another season.
Regardless, the options aren't very stout in the draft class. There is only one surefire player that is undoubtedly going in the first round, and that would be Fernando Mendoza. Other than that, anything is possible due to the lack of excitement around the prospects. Ty Simpson should be second off the board; however, no one is exactly sure when he will hear his name called.
The University of Alabama quarterback has been linked to the Steelers quite often, but one draft expert with plenty of connections is pumping the break on that potential partnership. On the most recent episode of his podcast, Todd McShay didn't just reveal what Pittsburgh's chances are of taking Simpson, but also who leadership in the Steel City is eyeing as a selection on Day 2.
"The question is, who's their quarterback," McShay asked. "It's not Ty Simpson at 21. I can tell you that for a fact. I have heard them linked with Carson Beck, so that's just something to keep an eye on. I think Round 3 would be the range."
Fans of the Steelers won't be excited in the slightest hearing that the team is being linked to Carson Beck. At that point, it makes much more sense to just roll with Howard and wait until 2027 to see what the list of prospects looks like at that point. Pittsburgh needs a franchise signal-caller, not a player who will most likely never end up being a consistent starter.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
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.
General Manager Omar Khan will have a serious decision to make. With 12 picks and four training camp roster spots for the quarterback position, taking one in the sixth or seventh round makes a lot more sense. Not much will be expected of this individual unless he completely separates himself from the moment he walks into the team's building. However, this already seems as if it is the case with Howard. All in all, if Rodgers returns, taking a signal-caller isn't all that logical.
There is always the possibility of the Steelers shopping Rudolph's services, but this would go against the organization's consistent approach of always having one veteran backup on the roster. A combination of Rodgers, Howard and a rookie doesn't seem like it would be in the cards based on how the franchise has always set up the depth chart.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @: JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks on as the team sets up in front of fans to workout at the annual Friday Night Lights training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Need To Find A Way To Shed Some 2026 Draft Capital
If at all possible, Pittsburgh trading one or two of its 12 overall selections in the 2026 NFL Draft would be ideal. Khan shouldn't have the intention of simply moving back, but gaining selections for 2027.
Any and all ammo could be needed if the team has hopes of trading up for a quarterback in a draft class that should be much stronger than 2026. There is always the potential for the Steelers to have a down year and possess a Top 10 pick, but that seems very unrealistic given recent history, as the organization hasn't had a losing season since 2003.
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