The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era under head coach Mike McCarthy, and that new era may or may not involve Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has indicated that he would return to play, and he has plenty of familiarity with McCarthy from their time on the Green Bay Packers. However, a new replacement for the longtime veteran is starting to gain momentum.
Rodgers has yet to determine if he plans to retire, which was nearly the case in 2025. He took his time in reaching a decision, ultimately signing a one-year deal with the Steelers. Even at 42 year sold, the consensus future Hall of Famer put together an impressive season.
Rodgers ended 2025 with 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 94.8 passer rating. Clearly, he has plenty left in the tank, but returning for a 22nd season may not be in the cards.
That said, the Steelers are likely already looking for Rodgers’ successor. One such player has now emerged and is gaining momentum.
Per NFL analyst Mina Kimes, a name that is gaining momentum for the Steelers is Packers backup Malik Willis. Willis is a pending free agent, and the flashes of brilliance he showed in relief for Jordan Love has pegged him as being the next big starter.
Kimes indicated that Willis has been connected to the Miami Dolphins, which makes sense considering their head coach and general manager are from the Packers. However, the Steelers appear to be in play as well.
“Two of the teams I've been hearing a lot are Miami & Pittsburgh. I just don't think it makes sense for [Miami's] timeline, whereas Pittsburgh… I think the timeline and the player just match up,” Kimes said via SleeperNFL
Kimes makes some good points. The first being that even though Willis continues to be linked to the Dolphins, the team is in a full-blown reset. There are also predictions coming out that Willis could land something along the lines of $20 million per season, which is a figure a roster-dumping team is not in a position to afford.
The other aspect of her point is that Willis would match up well with the Steelers. The offense could benefit greatly from a mobile quarterback like Willis.
Willis has shown that he can gun the ball downfield, but also rifle off designed runs for chunk yardage. He is also a fast processor when throwing and running, meaning that if there are no viable receivers open, his quick thinking can lead to a first down and more.
The Steelers with Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, and Willis could do some real damage.
There is no telling what kind of offense Brian Angelichio will run, as he previously served as the tight ends coach and passing game coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, but having Willis would be a huge benefit for his first time as an offensive coordinator.
Dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks have been flourishing in the NFL, and the Steelers have the offensive weapons that landing Willis might mean the team does not have to depend on the aging Rodgers to return.
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