Although the addition of Mike McCarthy as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes it seem like Aaron Rodgers will return, there are no guarantees.
Given the limited quarterback options in both free agency and the NFL Draft this offseason, re-signing Rodgers may be the most viable short-term solution. The locker room likes him, and it would give the Steelers their best shot at competing in 2026.
With all that said, there are scenarios where things could go sour between Rodgers and the Steelers. He waited until June last year to finalize a contract with Pittsburgh, but that may not be the case this time. A rumor suggests an earlier deadline could be in place ahead of free agency in March. If Rodgers takes too long to weigh his future, the team might go in another direction.
If the Steelers look for a new starting quarterback next season, don’t expect it to be Will Howard or Mason Rudolph.
McCarthy and company would likely prioritize either a high-ceiling draft prospect or a proven veteran to compete for the job. If Rodgers doesn't return, it seems clear that an ascending quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft might be their choice.
Pittsburgh Steelers plan on replacing Aaron Rodgers with Ty Simpson in NFL Draft
Don't rule out the Steelers from possibly reaching for another quarterback in the draft, similar to when they took Kenny Pickett in 2022.
It was a nightmare to watch Pickett become the starter after being over-drafted in the first round. He achieved very little with the Steelers and quickly moved on. Doing the same thing is mind-boggling, but not impossible.
Ty Simpson is an ascending quarterback in the upcoming draft, largely due to the scarcity of talent at the position. He is seen as a high-ceiling prospect with pro potential, though he still has significant development ahead. The addition of McCarthy has focused on his ability to work with talented quarterbacks and help develop them. That is one of the main reasons he was hired.
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Pittsburgh would be making a poor decision by taking Simpson, especially in the first round, but they might not have another choice. If the Steelers have enough confidence in McCarthy developing their next franchise quarterback that he got the nod for their head coaching job, then they shouldn't shy away from targeting one in the draft. Even if Rodgers returns, don't rule this out.
Simpson began the college football season strongly, but his performance declined as the year went on. He shouldn't be their top pick, but it would be more palatable as a second-round option, or later. He has a lot of tools to like, but there is plenty of progression he will need to accomplish at the next level. If Rodgers doesn't return, Simpson might be one of their few options to fill that void.