The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t foolish enough to believe that newly signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers is there for the long haul.
The 41-year-old is set to enter his 21st season and has publicly stated that he thinks he will probably retire after the year.
Since Rodgers will likely be gone next season, it would be wise for Pittsburgh to begin scouting quarterbacks in college and doing their homework on free agent signal callers for 2026.
It’s a rare feat for a quarterback to make it to free agency, so the best one slated for next offseason is Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws the ball Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws the ball Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
© Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The former New York Giant signed with the team this offseason to compete with incumbent Anthony Richardson for the starting quarterback job.
Both players have had tumultuous careers up to this point, so it’s a safe bet to assume that whoever loses the competition will not be back with the team next season.
Brooke Pryor of ESPN recognizes this possibility and pegged Jones and Richardson as candidates to replace Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
“Former first-round pick Daniel Jones, who signed a one-year deal in Indianapolis, is the best available free agent of the 2026 class so far. Other quarterbacks, though, could become available in releases or trades. Anthony Richardson Sr., Indianapolis' other quarterback and its 2023 first-round pick, is competing with Jones for the starting job. Whoever comes in second could be available,” she said.
Either quarterback is ideal because the Steelers experimented with a mobile quarterback last season for the first time in decades with Justin Fields.
Although he eventually lost his starting spot to Russell Wilson, he led the team to a 3-2 record while adding a dynamic aspect to the offense.
Pittsburgh could double down on this success and pursue whoever loses the Colts quarterback competition as they are both elite athletes.