The Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to receive a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers about the veteran’s plans for the upcoming season.
Rodgers has been linked to the Las Vegas Raiders in recent days as a possible option to start for the team until expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza would be ready to take over full-time.
New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has familiarity with Aaron Rodgers, winning a Super Bowl when they were together with the Green Bay Packers.
Still, Pittsburgh needs to do their due diligence to find a long-term solution at signal caller. Even if Rodgers returns for the 2026 campaign, it’s unlikely he’d return to be the team’s starter in 2027.
Per Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot, the Steelers sent quarterbacks coach Tom Arth to Fargo, North Dakota, to watch North Dakota State’s pro day on Thursday. Pittsburgh is checking out Bison quarterback Cole Payton.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers sent QB Coach Tom Arth to Fargo, North Dakota, to check out one of the 2026 NFL Draft's top sleeper quarterbacks – Cole Payton,” Kozora wrote.
“Pittsburgh is among 25 teams attending North Dakota State's Thursday session with the Steelers sending at least two personnel members: area scout Jim Ward and Arth. Clearly, Payton is the reason why Arth made the trip.”
Payton spent five seasons with NDSU, taking over the starting duties in 2025. He threw for 2,719 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions in his final season with the Bison. He rushed for 777 yards and 13 touchdowns.
NDSU earned a 12-1 record in 2025, with its lone loss coming 29-28 to Illinois State in the second round of the NCAA Division I tournament.
Payton earned second-team All-MVFC honors for his play in 2025.
Payton would be an interesting prospect for the Steelers to add this offseason, but he’d likely be a developmental option. The Steelers still need to add a veteran who is ready to play in Week 1.
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