As the calendar turns from 2025 to 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of an effort to return to playoff relevance. The New Year signifies new hope for what many believe could be a new era for the Steelers. The season has been a rollercoaster, with many turning against the team while others remained patient, a stance that ultimately paid off.
The New Year could provide for an eventful offseason.
There are some things that are weighty decisions for the Steelers once this season concludes and they turn the page to 2026. Who will be their quarterback? How will their coaching staff appear? Will Mike Tomlin be the long-term answer as head coach? These are all answers Pittsburgh is hoping to solve this offseason. Each one will need a solution, and it could create some fireworks around town.
Pittsburgh Steelers could have massive decisions to make in the 2026 offseason
Aaron Rodgers will be the starting quarterback of the Steelers in 2026
It's been a debated topic throughout the campaign, but there might be a path for Aaron Rodgers to return as the Steelers quarterback next season. He claimed this would be his last ride, but depending on how this year ends, he could want to return. Don't discount the idea of him being their starter in 2026, despite his constant regard of this being his final year. He has walked that line before.
Many want the club to take a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but that strategy is unwise. Unless Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore slip to you in the top round, or enough to trade up at a reasonable price, there aren't many options. The talent pool at the position has dried up rather quickly, so Rodgers might be the best choice to go with for another year and compete in 2026.
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Mike Tomlin will receive a contract extension leading into next season
Things change in a hurry in the NFL, and we are a long way from when Steelers Nation chanted "Fire Tomlin!" Many remain frustrated with the longtime coach in Pittsburgh and will not be satisfied until the team begins winning postseason games. That serves as a reasonable standard for the Steelers’ longtime leader, given the team’s lack of a playoff win since January 2017, nearly nine years ago.
Don't be shocked if Art Rooney II decides to grant Tomlin a contract extension at some point this offseason, however.
No matter if that's at the beginning of the process or towards the end of the preseason. Tomlin's contract ends after 2027, and that is about the time when Rooney typically extends him. No matter how this season concludes, Tomlin will probably find another extension to remain in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh won't take a Quarterback in the entire 2026 NFL Draft
Unless they find Mendoza, Moore, or Ty Simpson as reasonable options to trade up for in the draft, don't anticipate fireworks around the position at the event. Things have quickly changed regarding the Steelers’ draft plans at the quarterback position. They must alter course, and it could result in the organization kicking the can down the road for another season to try in the 2027 NFL Draft.
If Rodgers re-signs with the Steelers this offseason, it could result in the club not investing any draft picks into the position. They would have Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, and Will Howard under contract going into next year. They also have the option of bringing Skylar Thompson back, too. If Rodgers returns in 2026, it could make Pittsburgh go all-in next year and skip taking a QB in the 2026 draft.