“He’s a great dude, he’s a great teammate. I like him personally,” the linebacker told Good Morning Football. “Is he gonna be back? I don’t know. That’s kind of a thing for Aaron and the team to figure out. But hell, I’ll take him. Dude is a great teammate, he’s a great quarterback.”

Queen also added: “He’s older, he’s experienced a lot, he did a lot. He doesn’t really owe the game anything. But at the same time, I think the competitor in him definitely wants to get back out on the field. Especially how last year ended, I know he just wants to get back from that. I couldn’t imagine what’s going through his mind. At the end of the day, it’s his decision. I respect whatever he does. But definitely would love to have him back.”

Will Rodgers return to Steel City?

The future of Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh remains shrouded in uncertainty as the veteran quarterback has yet to commit to the 2026 season. Despite the mutual interest between the four-time MVP and head coach Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ silence as a free agent has forced the front office to weigh their options carefully.

With the NFL Draft approaching, the Steelers continue preparing alternatives by hosting top college prospects like Arkansas’ Taylen Green for pre-draft visits, signaling that while they hope for No. 8’s return, they are ready to secure a new path under center if necessary.

The last great thorn in Steel City

The Steelers’ postseason run came to a disappointing and historic end this past January with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round. It was a rough night for the veteran quarterback, who recorded career postseason lows in yards and passer rating while the offense failed to find the end zone.

As for a potential revenge tour, Aaron Rodgers’ return for the 2026 season remains the biggest question mark in Pittsburgh; while the organization and insiders like Adam Schefter express optimism that he will play another year under new head coach Mike McCarthy, No. 8 has yet to make an official commitment.

The former Arkansas Razorbacks player is a quarterback with impressive athletic mobility. In 2025, he threw for 2,714 yards, recording 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

In addition to scheduling a visit to Steel City, Green has also previously met with the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys. What will his destination ultimately be when he makes the long-awaited jump to the NFL?

Steelers explore potential replacements for Rodgers

Beyond Taylen Green, the Steelers‘ quarterback evaluation extends to several high-profile prospects such as Carson Beck, who conducted an official pre-draft visit on March 17. Drew Allar, former Penn State standout, has algo been closely monitored due to his ideal physical frame for AFC North football.

Additionally, Ty Simpson is confirmed to be in Pittsburgh for the draft as one of the 16 prospects attending the event in person, following significant interest from the front office during the 2025 season.

These meetings suggest the team is exploring every tier of the draft—from potential first-rounders like Beck to developmental options like Allar—to bolster a depth chart currently led by veterans and young incumbents.

Rodgers delays his decision

Aaron Rodgers appears to have three possible paths for his NFL future. One is returning to Steel City for at least one more season, another is seeking a fresh start with a different franchise, and the last—one no one wants to hear—is a potential retirement.

It is well known that the former 42-year-old Super Bowl champion tends to take his time before finally confirming what he will do with his career. Will he return to Pittsburgh to reunite with McCarthy once again? Or, on the contrary, will he surprise everyone with an ace up his sleeve?

The Draft, a prime opportunity for Pittsburgh

In a few days, the 2026 NFL Draft will take place, a moment when all 32 franchises will look to strengthen their rosters in the best possible way. These are the 12 picks the Steelers will have available to become contenders in the AFC North:

• 1st Round, No. 21
• 2nd Round, No. 53
• 3rd Round, No. 76 (via Dallas)
• 3rd Round, No. 85
• 3rd Round, No. 99 (compensatory pick)
• 4th Round, No. 121
• 4th Round, No. 135 (compensatory pick)
• 5th Round, No. 161
• 6th Round, No. 216 (compensatory pick)
• 7th Round, No. 224 (via New England)
• 7th Round, No. 230 (via Indianapolis)
• 7th Round, No. 237

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.

Warren said he is “rocking with whoever’s at the quarterback position. But if he [Rodgers] comes back, great. If he doesn’t, then we’ll miss him.” This means, he is ready to be a weapon once again, but between lines, he wants Rodgers back with the Steelers.

Jaylen Warren also spoke on Mike Tomlin’s departure and the arrival of Mike McCarthy. With all these changes, Warren will take a step up as a leader on this roster as well. Hence, his role will be even more important than ever before.

Warren has shown love to Rodgers before

Warren sees Rodgers as a best friend. It’s been well documented that Warren is fond of Aaron Rodgers. Watching the numbers he had last year with A-Rod, maybe that’s a reason why. The 2025 NFL season was a career-year for Warren.

Warren had career-highs in attempts (211), yards (958 rushing, 1291 scrimmage), and also on touchdowns with eight total. The running back was one of the best offensive players on the Steelers roster last season. With a small-yet-powerful and explosive frame, Warren is a problem.

The Steelers got Warren help on the backfield

When Kenneth Gainwell left the team, it was a big worry for the Steelers. However, they arguably brought an even better running back to share snaps with Warren. With Rico Dowdle on the roster, the Steelers have one of the best running games in the NFL.

“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

Aaron Rodgers is reportedly coming back to the Steelers in 2026, however, nothing has been confirmed. Also, it’s Rodgers, one of the most volatile men in the NFL. Still, drafting Lemon could be a way of tempting the quarterback.

The Steelers have DK Metcalf on the roster, and traded for Michael Pittman as well. Hence, they already have good wideouts, but adding a guy like Makai Lemon could put this as one of the sleeper units in the NFL, especially if Rodgers is back.

Makai Lemon has huge upside

After delivering at USC, Makai Lemon is one of the biggest names to follow ahead of the Draft. His route running is really prolific, has high football IQ, great hands, and incredible athleticism. His frame might not be the best, but he is an absolute threat.

Fresh off a 1,156 yard-season with 11 TDs, Lemon was unstoppable in college. If the Steelers opt to get him, it will be very interesting to see how they deploy him, considering he would share snaps with Pittman and Metcalf.

Should the Steelers actually draft Lemon?

Given the state of the roster, one could argue there are other priorities other than bolstering an already boosted unit. Lemon is projected as a top-20 first-round pick. The offensive line could arguably be a better unit to reinforce for the Steelers, who have the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The team’s future hinges on the pending decision of Aaron Rodgers, whose choice to return or retire could dramatically alter all plans. If the veteran takes extra time to make his announcement, the 2026 NFL Draft could present an intriguing scenario.

Pittsburgh might opt to draft a quarterback early, such as Ty Simpson, potentially creating a three-quarterback depth chart. This unusual configuration would give the Steelers options but also introduce complexity for the coaching staff and roster management.

Steelers could trade QB

The situation is further complicated by timing. If Aaron Rodgers confirms his return after the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers could face difficult choices regarding which quarterbacks to keep or move. Ray Fittipaldo highlights the potential domino effect as a trade could happen. “Yes. Mason Rudolph, odd man out. Not sure what you would get in return. Maybe a sixth or seventh rounder.”

The Steelers must weigh the possibility of drafting a young quarterback while Rodgers’ status remains uncertain. Selecting a QB early provides insurance and future potential, but also risks roster overcrowding. The team will need to plan carefully to balance immediate needs with long-term strategy.

If Aaron comes back after the draft, Mason Rudolph could be on the move. As Fittipaldo notes, the team might trade Rudolph, likely for a late-round pick, allowing the Steelers to adjust the roster while accommodating Rodgers’ return. Will Howard, meanwhile, would remain the key developmental quarterback behind Rodgers.

The Steelers want Rodgers back for another season, but uncertainty remains. With no strong free-agent alternatives, Pittsburgh’s 2026 quarterback situation is far from settled.

Now, according to Mike Silver, there’s growing optimism due to the QB’s relationship with McCarthy. “I think time has kind of made them feel like: ‘Hey, that was a pretty good thing. We’ve been through a lot.’ So, Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers have been talking about this.”

Aaron Rodgers’ decision with Steelers

Mike Silver adds insight into the team’s mindset mentioning the Steelers are convinced that running it back with Aaron Rodgers gives them a great chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

“I think the Steelers organizationally are reasonably upbeat about the possibility of Aaron Rodgers coming back and playing another season. They still don’t really have a great option for 2026 if Aaron says no or if he says, ‘You know, what? I need a few more months.’ So, cautious optimism in the building that Aaron Rodgers will come back.”

Rodgers and McCarthy’s discussions reportedly cover both personal and professional factors. Their renewed trust, built during their time in Green Bay, is a key reason the Steelers remain positive.

What happens if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return with Steelers?

If Aaron Rodgers delays or ultimately opts out, the Steelers would face a tricky quarterback picture in 2026. With no strong free-agent options, the team would likely rely on Will Howard. Rodgers’ final decision will be pivotal in shaping Pittsburgh’s strategy and draft plans.

Rodgers’ choice could take longer than expected, leaving the team in a state of uncertainty as they approach critical offseason decisions. “I don’t think there’s a deadline but I do think the Steelers would like to know before the draft. I don’t think it matters. I think if Aaron just dragged this into May or June, he could do that.”

The uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers is particularly important for Pittsburgh’s depth chart. If Rodgers ultimately decides not to sign, the Steelers would rely on second-year quarterback Will Howard and Mason Rudolph.

Will Aaron Rodgers play in 2026?

The timing of Aaron Rodgers’ decision is influenced by multiple factors, including his recovery, offseason preparation, and personal considerations about playing another season. The Steelers’ front office is carefully weighing all options, knowing that a delayed decision could affect draft strategy and roster planning.

For the Steelers, planning without Rodgers means putting faith in the untested Howard, whose potential upside comes with the risk of rookie-level mistakes. Mason Rudolph could provide some stability, but the combination of a young quarterback and limited free-agent options leaves the team in a precarious position. Draft strategies and offseason moves could shift dramatically depending on Rodgers’ final decision.

Howard has shown significant potential but lacks NFL experience, and Rudolph provides veteran depth. The recent signing of Kirk Cousins with the Las Vegas Raiders means free agency no longer offers a solution, leaving Pittsburgh with limited options if Rodgers delays or opts out.

Ultimately, according to Schefter’s report, Rodgers’ timeline could extend into May or June, giving him maximum flexibility while leaving Pittsburgh to prepare for any scenario. Again, a prolonged period of uncertainty.

“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.