Despite lacking a clear long-term answer at the position, and with a lot of rumors surrounding Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers are not expected to force a solution early, choosing instead to remain flexible as the board unfolds.

That perspective was reinforced by analyst Matt Miller, who shed light on the team’s internal thinking. “The Steelers might not have a clear-cut quarterback of the future on the roster, but one internal source said that they won’t be forced to draft one this year. That source noted Pittsburgh will play the board first and that Will Howard, last year’s sixth-round pick, has fans in the front office.”

Steelers believe in Will Howard

One key factor in that patience appears to be the presence of Will Howard as the Steelers see enough upside to keep developing the young quarterback. While Howard is far from a proven starter, internal belief in his potential may reduce the pressure to invest heavily in another prospect right away.

Who will be Steelers QB in 2026?

Aaron Rodgers is the favorite to be the Steelers’ quarterback in 2026, but if he suddenly changes his decision, everything points to Mike McCarthy giving the reins to Will Howard. The big question is whether they will take another QB in the later rounds of the draft.

According to Brooke Pryor, a first-round quarterback selection won’t be the path to follow. “It seems unlikely the Steelers will use their first-round pick on a quarterback.”

Rodgers’ pending decision looms large over everything. If he returns, the urgency shifts slightly, but it doesn’t eliminate the long-term need. Head coach Mike McCarthy reportedly sees potential in Will Howard, yet as a sixth-round prospect, he remains far from a sure answer. That leaves the Steelers in a position where adding another young quarterback later in the draft becomes not just an option, but a logical step.

Steelers could target quarterback in later rounds of 2026 NFL Draft

Pryor added that Pittsburgh’s interest in the quarterback class goes beyond surface-level evaluation and Day 2 or Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft could bring a new name to the QB room.

“Don’t rule out a selection on Day 2 or Day 3, even if Aaron Rodgers returns. New head coach Mike McCarthy and the scouting staff have been doing their homework on several prospects in the quarterback class, including Carson Beck (Miami), Drew Allar (Penn State) and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU). Both McCarthy and GM Omar Khan have been transparent about their signal-caller wish list: long arms, big hands and a knack for thriving in the cold weather.”

That preparation aligns with McCarthy’s history of developing quarterbacks. Over the years, he has played a key role in shaping the careers of Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott, and Brett Favre, three very different players who found success under his guidance.

His track record suggests Pittsburgh may be confident in identifying and developing talent outside the first round. With no true successor identified since Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers may once again look to the draft, even if the answer doesn’t come on Day 1.

“Me personally, I never thought he was the problem or whatever, but it sucks,” he said about Tomlin’s dismissal on Good Morning Football. “I was — I wouldn’t say traumatized — but it hurt, because he was the one who took me in as an undrafted [player], he gave me a shot, and that’s who I was playing under for my first four years. To hear him resign, it sucked, but he had to do what he had to do.”

Warren arrived in Steel City in 2022 as an undrafted free agent after his final stint at Oklahoma State Cowboys football. This year, he will have a new coaching staff, which is also awaiting a final decision from Aaron Rodgers.

Warren’s 2025 in the Steelers

During the 2025 NFL season, Jaylen Warren continued to be a vital dual-threat weapon for Mike Tomlin’s offense, appearing in 16 regular-season games. On the ground, Warren recorded 211 carries for 958 rushing yards, averaging a solid 4.5 yards per attempt and finding the end zone 6 times.

His impact extended to the passing game, where he served as a reliable safety valve, hauling in 40 receptions for 333 yards and 2 additional touchdowns. One of his standout performances came in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, where he exploded for a season-high 143 rushing yards and two scores, helping solidify his role as a key playmaker in Pittsburgh’s backfield.

The arrival of Mike McCarthy

Mike McCarthy joined the Pittsburgh Steelers after the franchise was left without a head coach heading into what lies ahead. Jaylen Warren, a key piece of the offense, is optimistic about this shift in energy.

“He’s been energetic,” Warren said regarding his new head coach. “Obviously, it’s an NFL week, so he’s been doing his thing as far as preparing us for what he wants and is expecting us to expect from him. It’s been great. I just love the energy he brings, and I just love what he’s about.“

Looking ahead to the Draft

McCarthy and Pittsburgh are in a strong position heading into the next draft. With 12 picks at their disposal, the hope of landing players such as wide receiver Makai Lemon is very much alive. These are the spots where the Steelers will have to make their selections.

• Round 1: Pick 21
• Round 2: Pick 53
• Round 3: Pick 76
• Round 3: Pick 85
• Round 3: Pick 99
• Round 4: Pick 121
• Round 4: Pick 135
• Round 5: Pick 161
• Round 6: Pick 216
• Round 7: Pick 224
• Round 7: Pick 230
• Round 7: Pick 237

“People get caught up in what round he went in,” McCarthy said at the NFL League Meetings. “If I was drafting players that year, he wouldn’t have been around in the fifth or sixth round.

“I valued him higher than that based off Kansas State. And man, I thought he jumped out of the tv set during the college playoffs. What not is there to like about the guy? So, I think he’s definitely a real prospect as a starting quarterback.”

Howard or Rudolph

Will Howard is a major investment for the Steelers, even if Rodgers returns. Still, the former Buckeyes player will have to compete for a spot against Mason Rudolph, a seasoned veteran who is also looking for his chance to start in Week 1 in Steel City.

What will happen with Rodgers?

As of early April 2026, Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent as he mulls over whether to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 22nd NFL season or retire. While he has not set a formal deadline, Steelers owner Art Rooney II expects a decision before the NFL Draft begins on April 23. Head coach Mike McCarthy remains optimistic about a reunion, noting that he and Rodgers have been in “constant communication”.

Howard waits for his chance

Despite a hand injury that sidelined him during last year’s training camp, Will Howard is now fully healthy and focused on making his NFL debut in 2026. After a year of development within the Steelers’ system, he enters the upcoming season ready to compete for a spot on the active roster and finally showcase his skills on the professional stage.

“Just like they always are, life, football, so what’s going on at the facility,” the head coach said, via Steelers.com. “Really engaged into what’s going on. I would just say he’s in a very positive space. We’ll just continue to engage in conversations. We’ve been talking weekly, every couple of days, so we’ll just continue to do that.”

Without going into too much detail, McCarthy offered a brief glimpse into the dialogue he’s had with Rodgers. Two seasoned figures around the league who could potentially reunite—this time in Steel City—and make a run back to the Super Bowl.

“The personal part of it will always be the same,” coach McCarthy added. “Football guys, they talk about the past. We talked about plays in 2010. We’re talking a lot of football, his experience in Pittsburgh. We talk a lot about football and just where he is in his life right now.”

When McCarthy and Rodgers reached glory

In Super Bowl XLV, head coach Mike McCarthy led the Green Bay Packers to a historic 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Rodgers delivered a masterful performance that earned him the MVP honors, completing 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

This triumph brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay for the first time in 14 years, cementing the McCarthy-Rodgers duo in NFL history.

Aaron Rodgers’ alternatives

The quarterback’s options for what lies ahead are not many. In fact, the most concrete scenarios at this point in the year are limited to just three.

The one many envision is a return to Pittsburgh, at least for one more season. Another possibility could be a team change, which is somewhat less likely. And finally, the ever-feared retirement, something that wouldn’t sound out of place given Rodgers’ age.

“I still expect that,” Art Rooney II told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Sunday at the annual league meeting in Arizona. “I expect we’ll get an answer before the draft.“

He also added: “When I talked to him and Omar [Khan] talked to him, he told us he wasn’t going to take as long this year as he did last year [to make a decision]. I’m not 100 percent sure what that means, but I expect something before the draft.”

When is the next NFL Draft 2026?

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from Thursday, April 23, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. For the first time since 1948, the event returns to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the main stage and draft theater set against the backdrop of the North Shore and Acrisure Stadium.

The scenario if Rodgers doesn’t return to Pittsburgh

Three paths emerge surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ decision: a return to Steel City, a change of teams, or a potential retirement. That said, what happens if he chooses not to join Mike McCarthy‘s team for the upcoming season?

In that case, the Steelers’ new head coach will have to make a decision regarding the team’s other two quarterbacks, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. The aforementioned draft could also serve as an excellent opportunity to add a new prospect.

Pittsburgh’s available Draft picks

With the goal of acquiring young College Football talent, these are the 12 picks the Pittsburgh Steelers will have at their disposal in just a few weeks:

• 1st round: 21st pick
• 2nd round: 53rd pick
• 3rd round: 76th pick
• 3rd round: 85th pick
• 3rd round: 99th pick
• 4th round: 121st pick
• 4th round: 135th pick
• 5th round: 161st pick
• 6th round: 216th pick
• 7th round: 224th pick
• 7th round: 230th pick
• 7th round: 237th pick

“Yes, it’d be a great story,” McCarthy said, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN. “I don’t know. I would love to tell everybody breaking news. It’s really cool to see Aaron at 42, a young man at 22, all that he’s been able to accomplish, and where he’s at in his personal life, trying to make this decision. He’s in a really good place.”

While many trust they’ll see Rodgers in the NFL a while longer, this situation still remains unresolved. The veteran is taking his time to weigh every step as he looks ahead to what’s next.

McCarthy and Rodgers already know glory

In 2011, Mike McCarthy led the Green Bay Packers to a historic victory in Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Rodgers delivered a masterful performance, earning the game’s MVP honors for his precision and poise.

He completed 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards and threw three touchdowns with no interceptions. This 31-25 win secured the franchise’s fourth Lombardi Trophy and cemented the McCarthy-Rodgers era in NFL history.

Quarterback alternatives for McCarthy

Steelers’ roster currently features veteran Mason Rudolph and sophomore Will Howard, a 2025 sixth-round pick who has yet to take a regular-season snap. While the team is keeping the door open for Rodgers to return for another season, they are heavily scouting the 2026 Draft class.

If Rodgers retires or signs elsewhere, there’s a chance that the Steelers might target a top prospect like Ty Simpson or Carson Beck to secure a long-term starter.

Pittsburgh sets its sights on the Draft

With just weeks to go before the 2026 NFL Draft unfolds, the Steelers find themselves in a privileged position. Steel City has a total of 12 picks after receiving four compensatory selections for 2026.

• 1st round: 21st pick overall
• 2nd round: 53rd pick overall
• 3rd round: 76th pick overall, from Dallas Cowboys in George Pickens trade
• 3rd round: 85th pick overall
• 3rd round: 99th pick overall
• 4th round: 121st pick overall
• 4th round: 135th pick overall
• 5th round: 161st pick overall
• 6th round: 216th pick overall
• 7th round: 224th pick overall, from New England Patriots in Kyle Dugger trade
• 7th round: 230th pick overall, from Indianapolis Colts in Michael Pittman trade
• 7th round: 237th pick overall

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers spoke openly about a possible reunion with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, with whom he spent several seasons during their time together with the Green Bay Packers.

“Mike’s one of the great guys in the league. Exceptional human being with a great heart. He really cares about the players. He also holds guys accountable and creates structure and details in the process. I loved my time with Mike over the years. Sometimes you love him, sometimes you’re pissed at him, but there’s so much love for Mike and the time we spent together.”

Aaron Rodgers approves Mike McCarthy as Steelers head coach

Aaron Rodgers made his feelings clear when speaking about Mike McCarthy and the direction of the Steelers. “There’s something to an old school organization. They bring a guy who brings accountability. He’s a Yinzer. He bleeds Pittsburgh. Who else would you rather have lead? A guy who loves the city with all his heart. I don’t think you can do better at this time. I’m happy for him.”

Will Aaron Rodgers retire?

Speculation about Aaron Rodgers’ future continues to swirl, but the veteran quarterback made it clear he is not ready to provide definitive answers. “Well, I want to say that anybody here who’s expecting me to make some big decision just shut up. Just turn it off.”

In the meantime, not all news is positive in Steel City. In recent hours, it was revealed that one of the team’s defensive cornerstones underwent surgical intervention.

Broderick Jones, one of the young talents the Steelers have counted on in recent years, had to undergo surgery for a neck injury, and his status regarding availability for the upcoming season’s preparation remains uncertain.

“Obviously, he had a significant injury and we’re monitoring how he progresses,” Omar Khan said to the press. “I know he’s working hard. It’s early in the process. That’s certainly something that we’re monitoring.”

The natural replacement for Jones

Jones appeared in 11 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, and his spot was later filled by Dylan Cook, who, according to Khan’s comments, has full confidence to start in the upcoming season.

“Dylan did a really good job for us when he had to come,” Khan said. “He really did. I wasn’t surprised, because I’ve seen his work ethic and how important it is to him. He’s got that quarterback background. I think that helped him. I think he’s a good player. He stepped in and I think, played at a good level.”

What will happen with Rodgers?

Once again, the biggest storyline of this NFL offseason centers on Aaron Rodgers. The 42-year-old QB has yet to decide his future, though the arrival of Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh hints at a potential positive outcome for him to return for another year.

Of course, the most important position is quarterback, but in that area the Steelers seem to be covered with the possible return of Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard entering his second year. A high draft pick should not be used on a QB.

Although a logical option would be to look for a wide receiver, the reality is that the defense has many holes. For that reason, a surprising name has emerged as an alternative with the No. 21 overall pick.

Who will Steelers pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Caleb Downs is beginning to emerge as a candidate to be selected by the Steelers in the first round. Ray Fittipaldo notes that if the safety falls on the draft board, Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy could even consider a trade. “Caleb Downs is one of the top players in this Draft. If he were to slide, I would be fine with the Steelers trying to take a stab at that.”

Will Steelers draft a QB in 2026?

If Aaron Rodgers returns in 2026, everything points to the Steelers not drafting a quarterback. In addition to the veteran, Mike McCarthy has publicly expressed total confidence in developing Will Howard.

In any case, the 2027 class is the truly attractive one at the quarterback position. The Steelers could see what they have in Howard this season, and if they are not convinced, consider selecting a quarterback the following year.

In the final years of Mike Tomlin as head coach, every decision was a short-term solution: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or Aaron Rodgers. None of them ended with a championship.

In fact, the only long-term investment came in 2022 when Kenny Pickett was selected in the first round after his time at the University of Pittsburgh. Two years later, it all ended in utter failure when the young prospect asked to be traded.

Will Steelers draft a quarterback in 2026?

The Steelers could consider drafting a quarterback in 2026 if the ideal name happens to be available on the board. The reality is that, with the exception of Fernando Mendoza, there are practically no options with first-round talent.

Many rumors have pointed to the possibility of Ty Simpson, but considering the team’s needs, that could be a waste of the No. 21 overall pick. Additionally, much depends on whether Aaron Rodgers returns and on Mike McCarthy’s confidence in Will Howard.

However, in a very interesting report, Jeremy Fowler stated that a surprising decision by the Steelers in the draft cannot be ruled out. “They’ve done a ton of homework on this particular draft class over the last year and the quarterbacks involved. We’ll see if they pull the trigger.”