The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently stuck in a waiting game.Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old and must decide his future soon. The team gave him a strict ultimatum.
Rodgers needs to make his final call before the 2026 NFL Draft begins. Most experts think he will return to Pittsburgh. He would then sign a $13.65 million deal.
Aaron Rodgers
Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) watches introductions during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
If Rodgers chooses to retire, the Steelers will change their plans. They will likely pick a new quarterback during the draft. ESPN reporterBrooke Pryor calls this a very real possibility.
What happens if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return next season? 👀@bepryor breaks down the Steelers’ contingency plans ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/rVOyCxr26L
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 3, 2026
The Steelers hold the 21st overall pick this year. Pryor believes they will not use a first-round selection on a passer. The current roster has very few options at the position.
Right now, the room only has Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. Howard was a sixth-round pick in 2025. Rudolph is a veteran backup who has traveled around the league.
New head coach Mike McCarthy really likes Howard. He recently praised the young player’s skills. McCarthy said Howard would have been drafted much higher if he were in charge last year.
Despite this praise, Howard did not play a single game last season. The Steelers know Rodgers is not a long-term fix. They must find a young star to lead them.
Alabama starTy Simpson is a possible target for the first round. He would be the top choice if he were still available at pick 21. Other options exist later.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck is another name to watch. He reached the CFP finals and might be a Day 3 pick. He offers valuable experience for a lower price.
Penn State passer Drew Allar is also entering the draft. LSU star Garrett Nussmeier is another experienced college player available. Both could help the Steelers rebuild their depth quickly.
Drafting another quarterback raises questions about Will Howard. If McCarthy trusts him, then Howard might just start. The team must weigh his potential against that of the incoming rookies.
Mike McCarthy evaluates Will Howard and Aaron Rodgers’ retirement impact
The Steelers are balancing immediate needs with future goals. McCarthy said this week that if it were up to him, Will Howard would not have been on the board there.
This shows the coach values the talent already on his roster. However, the team cannot ignore the retirement of a legend. They need a solid backup plan for the 2026 season.
A Day 3 pick like Carson Beck offers a cheap solution. It allows the team to use early picks on other weak spots. Fans are waiting to see how the front office reacts.