Steelers’ QB Plan Becoming Obvious As Veteran Options Get Dismissed

The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again stuck in a waiting game as quarterback Aaron Rodgers takes his sweet time on making a decision. Head Coach Mike McCarthy may have already revealed the veteran's preference to the public a few times, but nothing is 100% certain until pen gets put to paper. Because of that, there have been plenty of rumors and reports about Pittsburgh being interested in other veteran passers, just in case Rodgers decides to retire. 

While making an appearance on SNR Drive, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler was asked about the Steelers' interest in some of these other veterans like Kirk Cousins (Cousins since signed with Las Vegas) and Jimmy Garoppolo. He put those rumors to rest once and for all. 

"It'll be interesting to see what the Rams do, because it looks like they'd like to bring back either [Jimmy] Garoppolo or maybe sign Kirk Cousins as a backup," Fowler said. "Whoever doesn't sign with the Rams, he'll still be out there... Does Pittsburgh want to get involved in one of those two guys just to have an extra option? I still don't sense that they are doing that, which tells me that it's probably going to be [Aaron] Rodgers."

If Fowler's report is true, then the Steelers never had any interest in any of these veterans, like many reports claimed. He also mentioned that there is not much interest in Derek Carr across the league, so he would be out of the question for Pittsburgh too most likely. At this point, it feels like Rodgers or bust. McCarthy's previous comments also make it seem like there's probably a very high chance that the 42-year-old returns for one last ride. 

If Rodgers shocks everyone and decides to retire, it will most likely be Will Howard's time to shine. There's no reason to sign a veteran backup to play the role of starter for all 17 games. While Howard is probably not yet ready to take a meaningful snap in a live game just yet, it's still better to see exactly what the second-year player has than waste a year with yet another journeyman bridge option starting who has a very low ceiling. 

Steelers Likely Have Same Opinion As Rest Of The NFL

Cousins is seen across the league as a backup option at this stage of his career, despite a solid handful of games to end the 2025 season for the Atlanta Falcons. On top of that, the Las Vegas Raiders signed him shortly after this report came out, so it was very clear that there was not a ton of interest in him from Pittsburgh's end. 

Meanwhile, Garoppolo has been a backup for the last 2.5 seasons. He lost the starting job in the middle of the 2023 season while playing for the Raiders, and he has not gotten the chance to prove himself again. He did have one start in 2024 with the Los Angeles Rams, but that was at the very end of the year when both teams in that game were resting starters.

Even if the Steelers want a veteran backup, they already have one on the team. Mason Rudolph already knows the language and terminology, and he's not even expensive. That would bring more merit to Fowler's report, as Pittsburgh really has no reason to have any interest in a guy like Cousins or Garoppolo. The focus appears to be strictly on Rodgers once again, and everyone in the building seems to be okay with that.

What do you think about the Steelers not having any sort of interest in a veteran quarterback in case Rodgers pulls a fast one and does not return? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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