Pittsburgh Steelers fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future of this football team. During the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager Omar Khan condensed his 12 draft picks to 10—addressing important positional groups and talented players with upside.
By the end of the draft, the Steelers came away with assets like Max Iheanachor, Germie Bernard, Gennings Dunker, and Daylen Everette, who could help build the foundation of the next young roster in Pittsburgh.
Unfortuantley, the hopes for their 2026 season still hinge on the one player they can't count on.
On Monday, The Athletic NFL Staff wrote up a post-draft outlook on all 32 teams. For Pittsburgh, Steelers insider Mike DeFabo raised three alarming questions, but none bigger than Aaron Rodgers' uncertain status and how he could perform if he does elect to return for the 2026 season.
"Three factors will determine this team’s ceiling: How quickly does this young offensive line come together? Can new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham make the most of a highly compensated, veteran group? And more than anything, assuming the 42-year-old QB does sign, at what level will Aaron Rodgers play?" — Mike DeFabo
The Pittsburgh Steelers can't fixate on Aaron Rodgers and the 2026 season
There's zero question at this point that Aaron Rodgers would give the Steelers their best shot at snapping their playoff drought. Team president Art Rooney II desperately wants to avoid a decade-long streak without a postseason win, and Rodgers' veteran presence and ability to protect the football at least give the team a chance to do so.
However, Rodgers has been noncommittal, and retirement isn't out of the question. Even if he does return for the 2026 season, his presence may be enough to finally snap a winless playoff streak, but not enough to be considered serious contenders.
Instead of allowing a 42-year-old quarterback to hold them hostage, the Steelers must turn the page and look toward the future in Pittsburgh. While I don't have hope that either Will Howard or Drew Allar will be the franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh, it's hard to know that the team has in either player unless given the opportunity to see the field.
The Steelers could allow Howard and Allar to battle it out for the starting gig. What's the worst that can happen? If Mike McCarthy has a losing season in his first year as head coach, it's not the end of the world; he could take his big QB swing in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 season already seems to be hanging by a thread after the NFL Draft, and Aaron Rodgers' looming decision could decide if this team will give it one last-ditch effort with everything on the line or aim for the future.
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