Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scrambles in the fourth quarter of an NFL wild card playoff game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
While it is still unknown whether or not future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his 22nd career NFL season, the NFL’s legal tampering window has now been opened. This means that if the Steelers so choose, they could try to go sign a new quarterback.
However, according to ESPN senior insider Adam Schefter, the team remains hopeful that the four-time MVP will return in 2026. But just in case he doesn’t, the franchise is reportedly content with its current quarterback room.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Have Multiple Quarterback Plans in Place
Will Howard
Joe Sargent/Getty ImagesAaron Rodgers was the Steelers’ starter in 2025, while Will Howard was predominantly the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart.
On Tuesday, Schefter appeared on ESPN’s Get Up to chat about the latest information surrounding Rodgers and Pittsburgh. Here is what he had to say:
“I would think that (the Steelers) want (Rodgers) to return. They’ve been open about wanting him to return. Everybody on the team, the players, has wanted him back…They’re hopeful and optimistic that he will come back.”
While it is clear the former Super Bowl champion is beloved by the organization and that he is clearly wanted back there, a decision has yet to be reached on a new deal.
Get Up
“[The Steelers] are hoping Aaron Rodgers comes back, and if he doesn’t, they would then be prepared to have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster. … It’s the reason that I think they don’t feel rushed and compelled to go out and add anybody right now.”
—@AdamSchefter on
Now, here is what Schefter also had to say about what Pittsburgh’s backup plan could be in case Rodgers doesn’t return:
“I think that (the Steelers) believe that they have a quarterback prospect in Will Howard. Now, it’s hard to bank your whole season on a quarterback we haven’t seen play in the regular season…They believe that they have something in Will Howard, and they believe Mike McCarthy’s strength is developing good, young, smart quarterbacks.”
It would certainly be a twist in the Steel City if Rodgers didn’t return, and the organization ended up rolling with Howard, who has no starting experience in the NFL, as its starter. Again, fans will not know until a decision comes from Rodgers. But at the very least, the Steelers have multiple plans in place and appear to be content with them.
Which Starting Quarterback Could the Steelers Use in 2026?
McCarthy and Rodgers Before Firing
GettyAaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy first linked up back in 2006 with the Green Bay Packers.
After trading for a two-time 1,000-yard receiver in Michael Pittman Jr. and signing a back-to-back 1,000-yard running back in Rico Dowdle on Monday, Pittsburgh appears ready to try to win in 2026. These are not necessarily the moves of a team that is going to end up starting a quarterback who hasn’t played a real NFL down yet. As talented a player as Howard was at Ohio State, he still could take some more time to get acclimated to the NFL game.
With Rodgers, on the other hand, this offense has the chance to be even better in 2026. Not only were the aforementioned free-agent moves made by the Steelers on Monday significant, but look who the head coach of the Steelers is. It’s Mike McCarthy, who goes way back with Rodgers all the way to 2006 with the Green Bay Packers.
With Rodgers as Green Bay’s starter under McCarthy for nearly 11 seasons (2008-2018), the team made the playoffs eight times, won the NFC North five times, and brought home a Super Bowl. Keep in mind, too, that Rodgers won two of his four MVPs with McCarthy leading the way. There is no doubt that Rodgers coming back to play for another season could positively impact this team and fan base. Plus, it could give Howard another season to watch and learn.