The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in what some may call quarterback purgatory for several seasons in a row. The teams put together have been good enough to compete for playoffs spots, but each opening weekend has had a different signal-caller dating back to 2021. Ben Roethlisberger retired, and the organization has failed to find his long-term replacement. That is why fans are once again frustrated that 2026 seems to be more of the same, even if Aaron Rodgers decides that he wants to keep playing.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to make a throw as the team works out during 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
General Manager Omar Khan got aggressive at the start of the new league year when free agency kicked off. One of the more significant moves what a sign-and-trade that involved Michael Pittman Jr. The veteran was acquired by the Steelers and then rewarded with a three-year extension. Pairing him with DK Metcalf should make for a more formidable one-two punch regardless of who is under center.
Pittsburgh's offense has been rather inconsistent for several years in a row. It was better with Rodgers, but still not where it needed to be when it mattered most in the postseason. That will have to change moving forward if the franchise is truly planning to win now, as opposed to rebuilding a little bit to support a younger quarterback.
On Wednesday, Pittman spoke to reporters at the Toyota-sponsored NFL Draft Flag Football Training Camp, which Steeler Nation was in attendance for. The wide receiver was asked about continuity at the signal-caller position. He has experience with inconsistencies at the spot throughout the course of his career, but made sure to mention that he has confidence in Will Howard and Mason Rudolph if Rodgers doesn't return to the Steel City.
"I'm no stranger to that, you know, I've played for Indy for the past six years, and I could go on and list all of the quarterbacks I had there," Pittman said. "Fortunate that all of those guys were great guys and just know that here, in Pittsburgh, we have two guys who I think are really good players. We're waiting on Aaron and if Aaron doesn't make the call then we got two guys like that that are ready to hop in and show what they got."
Pittman mentioned that he believes Ty Simpson will have a great night during the NFL Draft and while the prospect isn't expected to be taken by the Steelers, anything is possible. Overall, it certainly will help Pittsburgh's locker room that Pittman has experience with quarterback turnover. That kind of veteran leadership can be very helpful, no matter who is calling the shots in the huddle.
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Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) points towards a referee to make sure he is lined of properly during a professional football contest at Lucas Oil Stadium.
It is no secret that the Steelers need to figure out what to do in regards to the future of the quarterback position, but the wide receiver room has questions as well. Pittman and Metcalf will lead the way; however, only two others are under contract for 2026. The newly-acquired pass-catcher is going to serve as a perfect mentor for whoever ends up getting selected by the organization.
It speaks volumes that Pittman has confidence in Howard and Rudolph, despite the fact that he has not been on the same team as them for very long. Rodgers could be coming to town very soon, but, for now, the Steelers need leaders such as Pittman to publicly talk about how solid the other two players in the room are.
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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.
Steelers Have A Great Opportunity To Lure Rodgers Back
Pittsburgh has 12 overall selections for the 2026 NFL Draft, and only four wideouts on the roster. There have been times in the past when the four-time MVP was blindsided by his team's pick(s), such as when the Green Bay Packers took Jordan Love back in 2020. Now, the Steelers have a chance to load the offense up with weapons, which would signal that they are fully committed to having the future Hall of Fame quarterback for at least one more year.
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