With two games remaining in the regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the precipice of returning to the postseason. A win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 — or a Baltimore Ravens loss to the Green Bay Packers — would clinch the AFC North.
That means Aaron Rodgers’ historic career would continue, as he has said that once the 2025 season ends, so likely will his playing days. Rodgers is 12-10 in the playoffs with one Super Bowl title, which came with the Packers.
While Pittsburgh fans are relishing every moment with the 42-year-old quarterback, the future isn’t nearly as certain behind center. The Steelers are going to have to make difficult decisions when it comes to who will be playing quarterback in 2026 — unless Rodgers decides to return for one more season.
If not, a trade or free agency will most likely be the route, especially since Pittsburgh won’t be in position for one of the top picks in the draft. That’s where the Ravens-Packers matchup on December 27 may carry some extra intrigue for the Steelers (assuming he plays).
Steelers Could Be Fit for Packers QB
Although the Packers dropped a 22-16 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 16, there was something to be said about Green Bay’s quarterback play — and it wasn’t Jordan Love, who exited with a concussion. It was Malik Willis.
Following his performance in relief of Love, the pending free agent was listed by FanSided’s Justin Carter as a potential solution to the Steelers’ quarterback situation in 2026.
“There are a few names that the team could kick the tires on, but Willis is the best of those,” Carter wrote. “Sure, you could try to win now with a Joe Flacco or Jimmy Garoppolo, but neither is helping you beyond 2026. You could go for a young free agent in Trey Lance, but he might not help you in 2026. Willis would give the Steelers a chance to not only win now, but also to have their quarterback of the future.
“Willis is never going to be a top-10 guy in the NFL, but Pittsburgh can keep making playoff appearances under Mike Tomlin if he proves to be a top-20 guy.”
Carter added that if Rodgers decides to return, it would make sense for the Steelers to welcome it. However, he argued that “for the betterment of the franchise,” Pittsburgh should move on from the veteran quarterback and pursue someone with more long-term upside like Willis.
Malik Willis Has Shined in Relief Before
Willis stepped in for Love and helped keep Green Bay competitive against the Bears, finishing 9 of 11 passing for 121 yards and a touchdown. Those aren’t gaudy numbers, but given the situation — on the road, against a division rival, and with multiple key players missing — it was an impressive showing.
It also wasn’t the first time Willis has delivered in relief. He filled in twice for Love last season and went 2-0 in those starts. Since being traded from the Tennessee Titans, Willis has been steady whenever called upon. In 10 appearances with Green Bay, he has thrown for 684 yards, five touchdowns, zero interceptions, and completed 76.5 percent of his passes.
Would Willis be the first choice for Steelers fans? Probably not. But he could be one of the more realistic options — especially considering Pittsburgh would only need to outbid teams in free agency, rather than sacrifice draft capital in a trade. His early projections average $5 million per year, although his price may have shot up after his performance against the Bears.
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