The Pittsburgh Steelers have put this season in the hands of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Rodgers confirmed Tuesday that the move is merely a one-year play.
Rodgers will turn 42 years old in December and inked just a one-year contract to join the franchise this season. He told "The Pat McAfee Show" on June 24 that regardless of how the campaign plays out, 2025 will be his final NFL season.
Will Howard, the team's rookie sixth-round pick out of Ohio State, has a chance to become the QB of the future. If he doesn't, however, the Steelers might have trouble acquiring the sort of player who can keep them competitive in 2026. They aren't likely to be bad enough to earn a high draft pick and free-agent options at the quarterback position are often limited.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks on the field following the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
However, a recent development in the Indianapolis Colts organization could provide Pittsburgh a chance to make a value play for a young QB with high upside.
"Daniel Jones is QB1 (for now). The Colts signed the ex-Giants/Vikings quarterback in free agency to challenge Anthony Richardson for the QB1 title in Indy, and Jones has already taken a significant lead in what was supposed to be a wide-open quarterback competition," James Boyd of The Athletic wrote on Monday, June 23. "Richardson, the 2023 No. 4 pick, aggravated the surgically repaired AC joint in his throwing shoulder May 29 and was shut down for the rest of the spring. There is no timetable for his return, per Colts coach Shane Steichen, which further positions Jones to take over as the Week 1 starter."
Richardson has two seasons remaining on his $34 million rookie contract, which includes a team option for the 2027 campaign. He is still just 23 years old and has high-end mobility and arm strength.
If the Colts decide to go with Jones, that could well spell the end of Richardson's time in Indianapolis. His trade value would also be at an all-time low, meaning Pittsburgh could potentially acquire him for a Day-2 draft pick and take a swing on a player with All-Pro talent who simply needs a different system in order to develop.