The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping Aaron Rodgers returns for another season in 2026. But it’s not a guarantee that he does. Without any proven young talent at the position, the Steelers have been speculated alongside several different quarterbacks in case Rodgers doesn’t come back. Those range from Malik Willis, to C.J. Stroud before those trade talks were quieted, and now even Michael Penix Jr.
The latter is now in a complicated spot in Atlanta. He hasn’t done the most to take advantage of his opportunity there, and the Falcons just brought in Tua Tagovailoa this week. Analyst Dan Hanzus thinks Pittsburgh might make sense as the next landing spot for Penix.
“Send him to Pittsburgh. How about this? How about the Steelers, instead of just being parked in the cul-de-sac of elite mediocrity, they actually use this season to evaluate a young passer,” Hanzus said Wednesday on his Heed The Call podcast. “I’m just, reckless speculation, I think it would work for both sides… The Steelers, the Aaron Rodgers thing, where he’s once again playing this game… Like, you don’t have to do it. You don’t have to go back to Aaron Rodgers, who gives you one of the most limited ceilings in the league.”
The ceiling with Rodgers definitely has some limits. But his floor is also pretty high. Rodgers isn’t going to create much once plays break down anymore. And he’s certainly not going to sit in the pocket and hold onto the ball. But his arm can still make some tough, accurate throws, and his football IQ makes it easier for the offense to be efficient in the quick game.
One can certainly argue a 25-year old Michael Penix Jr. offers more potential for the future. But you can also argue the floor is lower. Despite playing with some excellent offensive talent in Atlanta, Penix just hasn’t proven a lot in his young NFL career. Through 12 games as a starter, he has a completion percentage of 59.6-percent, 2,757 yards, 12 touchdowns to six interceptions, and a passer rating of 85.8.
There are some traits to love with Penix. He has insane arm talent, throws with an aggressive mindset, and has just enough athleticism to escape the pocket when things are collapsing.
Things like that will entice NFL teams. And it enticed the Falcons enough to draft him as high as eighth overall. Which also means he might be expensive in a trade, with two years left on his deal, plus a fifth-year option. Things haven’t gone great for him as a starter, and the Falcons are already looking for replacements at quarterback. But just two years removed from drafting Penix in the top-10, Atlanta might not accept a cheap offer.
From that vantage point, it might not be worth considering from Pittsburgh’s point of view. It’s easy and understandable to feel some frustration about having to wait for Rodgers again. But he’s still showing consistency at his age, something Michael Penix Jr. has yet to show in the NFL. Penix will also be 26 next year, and has some injury history in the rearview mirror. While he’s far from proven, Pittsburgh might be better off rolling with its own young quarterback, Will Howard, in that case.
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