Steelers Suddenly Have A Top-10 Quarterback In The NFL On A One-Year Basis

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a massive question to answer before the start of the free agency period on March 11th. This question relates to which quarterback will be the starter on their roster, and there are a lot of options available to the franchise. They seem more inclined to avoid certain options than others, but their answer at one of the most important positions in football will need to come soon. However, it seems as if certain voices in the media believe the answer to the team's question is far easier than they're making it out to be.

The option many believe the Steelers will go with is Aaron Rodgers, as he's recently had conversations with the team about a potential contract for next year. Many also believe that if Rodgers does come back, no matter where it is, will only be for the 2026 NFL season. This has led some to believe this makes Rodgers an even better option for the Black and Gold than previously believed.

On the latest episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd gave his opinions on Rodgers and how much impact he had on the Steelers' offense. The 2025 Steelers offense had some maddeningly inconsistent moments, and Cowherd not only believes Rodgers wasn't the source of these problems, but laid out why the Steelers need to give him a new contract.

"I think, again, if you're talking one year, I think he's a top-10 quarterback," Cowherd said. "For 17 games. I would take Aaron over all but about eight guys in the league."

For what it's worth, Rodgers will easily be the best option the Steelers can acquire if they want to continue playing at a high level. Rodgers had his moments during the 2025 season where he looked like the younger version of himself, and would be able to navigate the massive amounts of change to the Steelers front office due to the familiarity he has with them.

While it's currently unknown whether or not Rodgers even wants to come back to Pittsburgh, the Steelers are his best option if he wants to continue playing for a shot at a Super Bowl. Cowherd's comments should entice the Steelers' front office to make them more eager to get a deal done, especially as the new league year rapidly approaches. Rodgers was able to help the Steelers maintain some level of consistency, and his absence in the Week 12 game he was unable to start was felt.

As has been shown with the hires the Steelers have made in recent months, the franchise has clearly chosen to play it safe rather than take risks. If they want to continue playing it safe, Rodgers likely remains their best option at quarterback, as he greatly raises the floor of the team. He would be able to keep them in playoff contention throughout his tenure, provided he stays healthy, as he did last season. 

However, regardless of who the Steelers end up starting at quarterback next season, simply hoping they end up fixing everything is not going to solve the main problem of the offense.

Steelers Need To Support Starting Quarterback At All Costs

With Cowherd claiming Rodgers is a top-10 quarterback in the league on a one-year basis, the Steelers should treat him like a top-10 quarterback should they re-sign him. He had very underwhelming targets to throw to in the 2025 season, and the running game was also not able to keep the pressure off Rodgers at key moments. If the franchise truly wants their best shot at contending and making Rodgers look like a top-10 QB, they need to help him out at all costs by acquiring the top tier receivers and running backs in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.

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