Even as the Pittsburgh Steelers patiently wait for Aaron Rodgers to make his decision, the franchise is open to adding at least one new face to the quarterback room before the 2026 NFL Draft is done. The team has already shown interest in several of this year’s top passers. During a Monday meeting with local reporters at the NFL owners meetings, Mike McCarthy confirmed that’s not just a smoke screen.
“He’s excited about this QB draft class and very open to adding one,” the Trib’s Chris Adamski tweeted, referencing McCarthy’s comments about adding another passer.
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy just spoke here at the Arizona Biltmore resort, says he’s in communication with Aaron Rodgers – but also that he’s excited about this QB draft class and very open to adding one
Story to come soon… pic.twitter.com/nK9VtdJzHx
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) March 30, 2026
General manager Omar Khan offered a familiar comment, telling reporters like Adamski “all options are on the table” to address the position.
Omar Khan, asked if regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers or another vet QB is signed, if the Steelers would still look to draft a quartreback:
"All options are on the table."
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) March 30, 2026
So far, Pittsburgh’s shown clear interest in Miami (FL)’s Carson Beck and North Dakota State’s Cole Payton. Two quarterbacks on opposite ends of the spectrum. Beck is highly experienced with 50 career starts, but a UCL injury sapped him of arm strength. His strengths come through his pedigree and battle-tested nature against marquee college programs, leading the Hurricanes to the National Championship Game in 2025.
Payton is a one-year starter from a FCS school. Physically, he brings a live arm and great mobility. But his mechanics are flawed and he’s a project nowhere near ready to start in the league.
There’s other names Pittsburgh could consider that may have been more evident had Mike McCarthy shown up at the five other Pro Days he was slated to attend. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is rebuilding his draft stock after an injury-marred 2025 season. Penn State’s Drew Allar is healthy again after having this past season cut short. Arkansas’ Taylen Green turned heads with a gaudy workout while Alabama’s Ty Simpson can’t be discounted either.
Drafting a quarterback and a potential Rodgers’ return would give Pittsburgh four viable quarterbacks to carry on the 53-man roster. Most often, the team only keeps three. Mason Rudolph would likely be odd-man-out. But last year’s freak summer injury to Will Howard proved predicting a depth chart is impossible.
Until Pittsburgh finds a long-term answer at quarterback, Mike McCarthy might keep taking swings at the position. Something he and the Green Bay Packers regularly did even with Rodgers firmly planted as their starter. The same could hold true in 2026.
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