Quarterback Emerging As Steelers' Favorite In 2026 Draft Class

It would come off as a serious shock if the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have Aaron Rodgers under center once the 2026 regular season kicked off. He may be taking his time on officially committing yet again, but the moves made by the organization have fully suggested that the expectation is for the four-time MVP to return. This could make the team very competitive for another season; however, it does not solve the long-term questions at the position. Will Howard is going to get an opportunity at some point, but the franchise also could have a newcomer arrive in the locker room as well.

The signal-callers coming out of college in 2026 are not as highly-touted as the ones that are likely to hear their names called in 2027. This is why it's fair to speculate if the Steelers are going to wait another year before truly investing draft capital into the position. Howard was taken in the sixth round, and Pittsburgh might just want to wait to bring someone else in, rather than investing another mid- or late-round pick into a quarterback.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy and Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth will be tasked with trying to find a player who can be under center for a decade or longer in the Steel City. If that individual is not Howard, then the draft is going to be the best way to take, and then develop, a potential franchise guy. In fact, the Steelers might like a 2026 prospect a lot more than fans realize.

In his fan chat on Monday, team beat writer Brian Batko fielded plenty of questions about Pittsburgh and the quarterback predicament was mentioned. An intriguing prospect that is catching some attention is Cole Payton out of North Dakota State. While he isn't expected to go in the first round, Batko believes that Pittsburgh selecting him on Day 2 is very much in play.

"I think there could be [some smoke there], yeah," Batko wrote. "The Steelers have done more than their typical due diligence on him. They had QB Coach Tom Arth in FARGO for the North Dakota State Pro Day, then flew in Cole Payton the next day for a pre-draft visit."

Arth heading out to the middle of nowhere, and then the team deciding to quickly ask Payton for an official Top 30 visit means there is legitimate interest. The lefty thrower passed for 2,719 yards in 2025 and 16 touchdowns. Those numbers aren't necessarily eye-popping, but Payton also rushed for 777 yards and 13 scores. He is a true dual-threat quarterback that has the potential to translate well to the NFL level.

The Steelers can't continue to delay the inevitable when it comes to the quarterback position. With 12 projected selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, it would make sense to take a signal-caller. This would possibly lead to someone like Mason Rudolph being traded, but the organization would still be in good shape if Rodgers is the starter.

Then, in 2027, it would be possible for Rodgers to retire and then Howard, Payton and a rookie could battle it out for the top job. The Steelers have been very scattered ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired, so McCarthy's new regime hopefully will be in line to work with several young signal-callers, with the best of the group becoming the face of the franchise.

Steelers Having A Lefty Quarterback Might Actually Be A Good Thing

Troy Fautanu is set to be Pittsburgh's starting right tackle for a long time. It might be better off for the organization if the blindside for the quarterback is actually on that end. The franchise hasn't been successful in finding a solidified left tackle, and questions are lingering regarding Broderick Jones' health. There is no guarantee that Payton would be drafted and then a future starting signal-caller, but the team truly seems to have interest in him.

#SteelerNation