The Steelers do have young quarterbacks in the pipeline, including Drew Allar and Will Howard, while veteran Mason Rudolph remains part of the picture. However, not everyone is convinced the team’s next franchise quarterback is already on the roster.

That is why recent comments from NFL analyst Mike Florio have generated so much discussion about a potential future target for Pittsburgh. A surprise might be possible.

Could the Steelers sign Baker Mayfield in 2027?

Mike Florio believes the answer should be yes. “Baker Mayfield would be perfect in Pittsburgh. He would be perfect. I know they would like to get off this train of older veteran quarterbacks, but, I mean, he’s a spring chicken compared to Aaron Rodgers. I would make a bee line for Baker Mayfield. If I’m Mike McCarthy and I’m the Steelers and I get through this season and my options are Drew Allar, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph, I am doing whatever it takes to get Baker Mayfield in Pittsburgh.”

The timing of Florio’s comments is particularly interesting because Mayfield’s future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is far from settled. The veteran quarterback is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and has already acknowledged publicly that extension talks have stalled.

Mayfield also made it clear that if a new deal is not completed before the season begins, negotiations will be put on hold. That stance could open the door for Mayfield to test free agency in 2027, potentially creating one of the biggest quarterback storylines in the NFL.

Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million contract with Tampa Bay after revitalizing his career with the Buccaneers. However, the quarterback market has changed dramatically since then, and he is reportedly expected to seek a deal worth at least $50 million per season if he reaches free agency.

For now, any connection between Mayfield and Pittsburgh remains speculative. But if Rodgers retires and the Steelers remain unconvinced about their internal options, Florio’s suggestion could become a very realistic scenario in just a year’s time.

“I mean, Brady. When you go seven Super Bowls it’s hard to…there’s not anybody close. And so it gets hard to debate that. I put Brady as number one, and for me, Aaron Rodgers is probably number two.”

Williams’ answer immediately drew attention across the NFL because of the second name on his list. While few would be surprised to see Tom Brady at the top, Williams’ decision to rank Aaron Rodgers as the second-best quarterback ever is particularly noteworthy given the history between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.

Who is the greatest QB of all time?

Tom Brady is the greatest QB of all time according to Caleb Williams, but, Aaron Rodgers got a tremendous recognition from the Bears’ star. For more than a decade, Rodgers tormented the Bears while establishing himself as one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. As a result, many Chicago fans still associate him with some of the franchise’s most frustrating moments.

That makes Williams’ praise especially significant. Rather than letting the rivalry influence his opinion, the Bears quarterback openly acknowledged Rodgers’ greatness and placed him ahead of numerous legendary passers.

The timing is also interesting because Rodgers is preparing for what is expected to be his final NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As one generation of quarterbacks begins to take over the league, Williams made it clear that he still views Rodgers as one of the defining players in NFL history.

Most teams carry three quarterbacks during the regular season, which has led many observers to assume that at least one passer will eventually be cut or traded before Week 1. However, that outcome may not be as certain as it initially appeared.

According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, there is growing belief around the league that Pittsburgh could take an unconventional approach and keep all four quarterbacks on the roster. “Several people close to the situation said they don’t think it’s entirely out of the question that the Steelers keep all four.”

Who will the Steelers cut at QB?

At the moment, the answer may be nobody. Jason La Canfora reported that the Steelers are not necessarily expected to move on from one of their quarterbacks before the season begins. Instead, they could decide that the value of keeping depth at the position outweighs the cost of using an extra roster spot.

If the Steelers ultimately decide to make a move, the most likely scenario may not involve releasing a player. Instead, Pittsburgh could trade Mason Rudolph. “At this point a trade of Rudolph seems more likely than Howard.”

That distinction is important. Howard is viewed as a long-term developmental prospect, while Rudolph has starting experience and could potentially attract interest from quarterback-needy teams around the league. For now, though, the possibility of Pittsburgh carrying four quarterbacks remains very much alive as the team prepares for a new era under Mike McCarthy.

There is considerable pressure surrounding the franchise heading into Mike McCarthy’s first season as head coach. Expectations remain high after the Steelers invested heavily in key players such as Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington while attempting to build a roster capable of making a deep playoff run with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

With training camp approaching, the Steelers appear committed to evaluating every possible option that could strengthen the roster. That process continued this week with another veteran addition on the offensive side of the ball.

Who did the Steelers just sign?

The Steelers just signed veteran tight end Robert Tonyan. The move reunites Tonyan with McCarthy, who became familiar with the tight end during their time together with the Green Bay Packers. He played there between 2017 and 2022.

Tonyan has enjoyed a lengthy NFL career that has included stops with the Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and most recently the Kansas City Chiefs. His experience and versatility could provide additional depth to Pittsburgh’s tight end room as the team prepares for the regular season.

The Steelers also made several additional roster moves. Along with signing Tonyan, Pittsburgh added linebacker Jamin Davis while waiving tight end Chamon Metayer.

The veteran quarterback generated major reactions across social media following a report from ESPN insider Adam Schefter regarding his support for Team USA flag football ahead of the 2028 Olympics. “Aaron Rodgers is making a donation to USA Football to support the U.S. Women’s National Flag Football Team as the sport builds toward its Olympic debut in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.”

The news quickly sparked positive reactions online, especially because Rodgers has faced constant criticism and narratives labeling him as a difficult teammate throughout different stages of his career. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, some media voices attempted to paint Rodgers as a potentially problematic locker-room presence. However, many players and coaches inside the Steelers organization have spoken very highly of the quarterback, praising both his leadership and his connection with teammates.

Aaron Rodgers continues changing the narrative around him

Aaron Rodgers’ donation adds another layer to the growing perception that his presence in Pittsburgh has been far more positive than many expected. While public debates around Rodgers often focus on controversy or polarizing opinions, those inside NFL locker rooms frequently describe a completely different side of the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Supporting the U.S. Women’s National Flag Football Team also places Rodgers alongside one of the fastest-growing sports movements in the world. Flag football will officially make its Olympic debut during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, a historic moment for the sport and for football’s global expansion.

Team USA is widely viewed as one of the favorites to capture the gold medal in Los Angeles, thanks to elite talent pool and the rapid growth of women’s flag football across the country. Still, the road to Olympic gold is expected to be extremely challenging.

Team Mexico is already emerging as one of Team USA’s biggest rivals heading into the tournament. The Mexican national program has become one of the strongest and most respected forces in international flag football, setting up what could become one of the marquee rivalries of the 2028 Olympics.

For Rodgers, though, the biggest takeaway may simply be the message behind the gesture itself. At a time when critics continue questioning his personality and leadership, the Steelers quarterback is earning praise for helping support the future of the sport beyond the NFL field.

“He’s gonna be 43 during this season,” Nick Wright said on First Things First. “I am very pessimistic about how he’s going to look at the end of this season.”

On December 2, Rodgers will turn 43 years old and, despite continuing to be a source of inspiration for Will Howard and his teammates, some still believe his level of play is in question when it comes to making his team true contenders.

Is age a limiting factor for Aaron Rodgers?

In 2025, Aaron Rodgers completely ignored the calendar and delivered a masterclass in efficiency, proving to be the absolute missing piece to carry the Pittsburgh Steelers right back into the playoffs. He kept his composure like the seasoned vet he is, racking up 3,322 passing yards and dropping 24 touchdowns while throwing just 7 interceptions.

Even though he wasn’t scrambling around like a rookie, his elite decision-making and precision completely neutralized any concerns about his age, making it crystal clear that his football IQ is sharper than ever.

Rodgers looked untouched in 2025

After the devastating Achilles injury that cut his New York Jets debut short just four snaps into the 2024 season, many wondered if Aaron Rodgers would ever look the same. Instead, his 2025 campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers was a masterclass in resilience, as he completely defied expectations by remaining entirely free of any major physical setbacks.

Aside from a minor, brief wrist issue, his body completely held up across 16 regular-season games. By avoiding the medical tent and protecting himself perfectly in the pocket, Rodgers completely silenced the critics who thought his 42-year-old frame would break down after such a brutal, career-altering injury.

There is a future beyond Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are already looking ahead, planning to groom both Will Howard and Drew Allar as the potential heirs to Aaron Rodgers’ throne. While Allar brings massive raw arm talent to the table, Howard’s adaptability could benefit the Steelers immensely as they transition into a new era, allowing the coaching staff to blend a versatile skill set with the invaluable mentorship of a future Hall of Famer.

“By now, Will Howard should be accustomed to learning a new playbook,” Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Gazette wrote. “After all, Mike McCarthy’s offense is his fourth in four years. He feels Howard is ‘wired’ for the task.”

While many may see a lack of consistency and regularity as a potential drawback, the truth is that Howard has shown adaptability over the past few years, adjusting to whatever situation he has faced, even learning his coordinators’ systems from scratch.

Howard’s recent experiences

Over the last four years, quarterback Will Howard has faced the massive challenge of learning four entirely different consecutive playbooks. His journey began in 2023 with the Kansas State Wildcats, mastering a gritty, run-heavy spread option system.

By 2024, he transferred to Ohio State, adapting to a high-octane, star-studded offense that culminated in a CFP National Championship with the Buckeyes. Upon entering the NFL in 2025, Howard had to absorb Mike Tomlin‘s established, defensive-minded Pittsburgh Steelers system as a rookie.

Now, in 2026, he is forced to adapt yet again as Mike McCarthy takes the reins in Pittsburgh, requiring Howard to quickly command a brand new West Coast-hybrid offensive playbook.

The perfect mentor in Pittsburgh

For young quarterback Will Howard, having Aaron Rodgers as a teammate in Pittsburgh represents the ultimate masterclass in NFL preparation. As Rodgers officially commands his final season in 2026, Howard finds himself in the enviable position of learning directly from a four-time MVP and master of the position.

This two-year window alongside A-Rod provides Howard with invaluable daily exposure to Rodgers’ elite pre-snap processing, footwork, and veteran leadership. With the franchise likely turning to Howard as their future quarterback, this ideal mentorship setup ensures that when Rodgers finally steps away after the 2026 season, the Steelers’ next-in-line will be fully prepared to inherit the throne.

According to Bleacher Report’s Khristopher Knox, the Steelers should prioritize adding a proven veteran like Diggs to ensure their postseason ambitions are met. “If Pittsburgh hopes to make Rodgers’ last ride a memorable one, it should add a little more to its receiving corps. DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. should make a solid receiver duo,” Knox wrote in his recent analysis.

Knox further emphasized that while the top of the depth chart looks strong, the secondary options raise significant questions for an NFL contender. “However, rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen are unproven, and Pittsburgh’s overall receiver depth is lacking. Adding a vet like [DeAndre] Hopkins or Stefon Diggs would help give the Steelers a playoff-caliber offense,” the report concluded.

Are Diggs and Hopkins the right options for Rodgers?

DeAndre Hopkins brings a massive amount of experience to the table, entering 2026 with 13 seasons under his belt and coming off a 2025 campaign where he recorded 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in a limited role. Despite his age, his elite catch radius and ability to win 50-50 balls would provide Rodgers with a reliable safety net that rookie targets simply cannot replicate.

Diggs remains a high-level producer, having just surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the seventh time in eight years during a productive 2025 season with the Patriots. Finishing last year with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, Diggs proved he still possesses the elite route-running and separation skills.

Choosing a veteran like Diggs or Hopkins would likely accelerate the Steelers’ offensive chemistry, as both players have spent over a decade deciphering NFL defenses. Their veteran savvy would allow them to read Rodgers’ subtle pre-snap adjustments immediately, creating a lethal partnership that could turn Pittsburgh into a legitimate Super Bowl threat.

Jones have been dealing with a neck injury, and while he has done individual work in OTAs, he’s not cleared to resume team drills. Speaking on his status with Chris Harlan of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jones said, “I don’t really have a timeline. They didn’t really give me a timeline. They’re just monitoring it day by day, and we go from there.”

Jones has started 38 games in 45 games played for the Steelers. As he said it himself though, “I’m coming off a neck injury. Nobody knows what the future holds for me. Of course, they have to do what they do to protect themselves at the end of the day. I don’t have any ill will or anything toward them.”

Steelers drafted Max Iheanachor in case that Jones is not fit

The Steelers drafted the tackle Max Iheanachor in case Jones can’t play. If both can play, then it’s the best-case scenario for the team. Still, Jones is eager to help, “I’m down to help Max wherever he needs me. Because at the end of the day, all of us got to be ready.”

Iheanachor was the 21st pick in the NFL Draft, and he is poised to start at left tackle if Jones is not fit to go. However, he can also play at right tackle. Hence, Aaron Rodgers could be very well protected if both are fit.

The Steelers need a good offensive line to impose their will

Having Aaron Rodgers, even at this age, opens up a plethora of opportunities for the Steelers. If they can establish the run, Rodgers can cook in play-action, if they buy time for Rodgers, he can zing it downfield.

However, to make all of those things, the team needs a good offensive line to make it all possible. If there’s no O-line, the Steelers season could go down the drain really fast.

Speaking to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rudolph said, “We’re trying to win now. You don’t bring back Aaron Rodgers if you don’t want to win now.” The message is clear, the Steelers feel capable to win it all this year.

While Rudolph has to fight for a spot on the roster against Drew Allar and Will Howard, Aaron Rodgers is clearly the starter. However, Rodgers confirmed 2026 will be his last NFL season before retiring.

Rudolph also hinted that he will be on the final roster

It’s been hinted by Mike McCarthy that the four quarterbacks could make the cut in the final 53-man roster. However, he also admitted he’s been communicated that he will have less reps, as Rodgers needs to get ready for his final season, and the Steelers want to develop Allar and Howard.

“I’m here to learn my offense,” Rudolph said. “My plans are to be here and to be on this team and to help in whatever fashion I can — and will.” Rudolph has been his whole career in Pittsburgh, barring a lone season in Tennessee.

Rudolph’s numbers with the Steelers

Excluding his time on the Titans, Rudolph has played 26 games across six seasons for the Steelers. During that time, he has 3,395 yards for 21 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions on 64.6% completion. He has a passer rating of 86.8 with the Steelers.

“We’ve definitely got four that we love, I can say that,” the head coach said to the press. “You always have to develop the room. That’s always been the approach. We’re hoping that (general manager) Omar (Khan) can get the roster expanded to 55 and we can keep four. It’s a really good room. This is a good place to be, having four guys that can play.”

Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph represent the veteran presence. Will Howard and Drew Allar might be the future. It is no coincidence that all four are together this season: Steel City is going all in with A-Rod while also keeping their eyes on what could happen beyond 2027.

Mike McCarthy wants to develop the youngest talent

Aaron Rodgers’ return somehow benefits Will Howard as well as Drew Allar. With Mason Rudolph also on the roster, Mike McCarthy aims to fully develop and maximize the talent of his two young players at the position.

“Mason has a lot of experience,” the Steelers head coach said. “We’re trying to develop Will and Drew as well as we can. Will is ahead of Drew, just based on the fact that he’s been here.” Howard enters his second year in the NFL after not playing a single snap during his rookie season. Drew Allar, meanwhile, is taking his first steps in the league and will need to absorb as much information as possible to get up to speed.

Steelers have a HC who knows how to work with quarterbacks

Throughout his coaching career, Mike McCarthy has built a stellar reputation as a true quarterback guru with a proven track record of maximizing passing talent. This pedigree was solidified during his defining tenure with the Green Bay Packers, where he took over a young, raw Aaron Rodgers and meticulously developed him into a mechanical masterpiece and a future four-time MVP.

McCarthy’s quarterback-friendly system and strict developmental protocols have consistently elevated signal-callers, helping them master pre-snap reads, refine their footwork, and play with high-level efficiency. It is exactly this history of elite mentorship that makes his current role so intriguing as he looks to work his magic once again on a new generation of quarterbacks.

Pittsburgh already looking ahead to the 2026 season

Returning to another Super Bowl is the number one ambition in Steel City. These will be the first matchups of the upcoming season that they will have to face:

• Week 1, vs Atlanta Falcons
• Week 2, at New England Patriots
• Week 3, vs Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 4, at Cleveland Browns
• Week 5, vs Indianapolis Colts