The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback position has already been one of the hottest topics of the offseason. Malik Willis, Ty Simpson, and even Spencer Rattler have all been brought into the conversation.
However, Aaron Rodgers seems likely to return for a second season in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have had nothing but positive things to say about Rodgers since the season ended. Without much proven talent on the market, he does seem like the Steelers’ best choice in some ways.
Yet CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt thinks Rodgers is more likely to retire than anything else.
“Man, it looked like it took everything out of him last year,” Hunt said Wednesday on CBS Sports HQ. “So, I don’t know if he wants to put his body through this again. I would probably say, he’s more than likely going to end up retiring.”
Rodgers did take a beating last year. The offensive line wasn’t a major issue by any means, but Rodgers just doesn’t have much mobility at his age. If the ball wasn’t coming out within two seconds, and the line wasn’t doing an exceptional job, Rodgers was more likely to struggle evading pressure than making plays on the run.
If he does come back, that’s something the Steelers will have to manage. But to Rodgers himself, it’s also a big question. He missed a game and a half with a wrist injury last year and also came out momentarily in other games after taking hard hits. There’s only so many hits like these that a 42-year-old can handle.
Whether he does come back or not, Hunt thinks Pittsburgh can find its answer for the future in Malik Willis.
“I think he makes an ideal fit, to be completely honest. For Pittsburgh, for the city, and also for Mike McCarthy. Mike McCarthy can envision him as his new version of Dak Prescott,” Hunt said. “When Dak came in, Dak was more of an explosive runner. He’s not that now, but Malik Willis still has that capability in his bag. And also, we’ve seen a growth from him, in passing the football because he’s gotten more opportunities to get out there on the field.”
With several strong performances to end the 2025 season, Willis quickly elevated himself among the rest of the free agent class. But it is an interesting comparison from Hunt. Dak Prescott was plenty productive before McCarthy got to Dallas, but you can’t ignore some of the best statistical seasons Prescott has had coming under McCarthy. Prescott finished second in Comeback Player of the Year voting in his second year with McCarthy and was second in MVP voting in 2023 after throwing 36 touchdown passes.
There are some similarities with Willis. His legs are a real weapon, and he showed a lot of progress as a passer in limited action last year. Willis proved he was capable of leading an offense with his arm, throwing receivers open and going though his progressions. If he can continue to build on that, his ability as a runner gives him a very high ceiling.
Yet he’s also a risk. Even quarterbacks drafted last year, like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, already have more career starts than Willis, despite Willis getting drafted in 2022. To some, his progress is impressive with only six career starts. To others, it is too small of a sample size. With Willis being the most attractive free agent at the position, the Steelers will have to outbid some other teams if they covet him.
Aaron Rodgers seems to be the Steelers’ top choice at quarterback. But there is always a chance he retires. If he does, Malik Willis represents a high-risk, high-reward candidate to replace him.
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