The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to build a bridge to the team’s next franchise quarterback over the past couple years. Depending on how 2025 ends, the Steelers may want that bridge to extend one more campaign.
That’s what The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo suggested while presenting the different options the Steelers have at quarterback for 2026.
“For Rodgers, Pittsburgh presented an opportunity to end his career on a positive note after two tumultuous seasons with the New York Jets. For the Steelers, the one-year deal provided the team with a veteran voice of leadership — and a bridge to a 2026 NFL Draft full of quarterback talent,” wrote DeFabo.
“Well, at least that was the initial plan.
“Could both sides reconsider and decide to run it back in 2026?”
There are several factors that will contribute to what the ultimate answer is to that question.
Aaron Rodgers Needs to Continue Playing Well to Justify Coming Back to Steelers in 2026
There’s little doubt that the four-time MVP is playing very well this season. While he’s not racking up a ton of yards, Rodgers has been very efficient. He has tossed four touchdowns in a game twice. Rodgers is on pace for 36 touchdowns in 2025.
To put that in perspective, Ben Roethlisberger never had a 36-touchdown campaign.
Behind Rodgers’s ability to find the end zone, the Steelers have one of the best red zone offenses in the league this season. They have scored touchdowns on 68% of their red zone drives, which is ranked seventh in the league.
Last year, the Steelers were 29th in the league, scoring touchdowns on 48.21% of their red zone possessions.
Still, there’s half a season still remaining. Steelers Nation probably doesn’t need to be reminded, but pundits called for the team to re-sign Russell Wilson roughly eight games into his tenure in 2024 as well.
Last year, Wilson averaged 8.4 yards per pass with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions in his first seven games. Most importantly, the Steelers were 6-1 in those starts.
But things collapsed for Wilson and the team down the stretch. If another collapse happens this fall, the Steelers and Rodgers aren’t likely to “run it back.”
“If the Steelers can capitalize on their early lead in the division and make some noise in the playoffs, perhaps Rodgers will be interested in seeing if he can push the team over the top in 2026,” DeFabo wrote. “But if they fall apart down the stretch, miss the playoffs or have another early exit, Rodgers may be content to call it a career.”
Steelers ‘Diligently Scouting’ 2026 QB Class
The 2026 quarterback scenario for Pittsburgh isn’t an either/or situation.
Yes, if Rodgers doesn’t return, then the Steelers could turn to the draft for their next starter. If the veteran quarterback comes back, the Steelers may delay drafting a signal-caller at the top of the board.
But the organization could re-sign Rodgers for 2026 and still draft a first-round quarterback.
In that scenario, DeFabo wrote Rodgers could mentor his successor for a year. The future Hall of Fame member already did that this past summer with Will Howard.
Drafting a quarterback early would also give the Steelers some insurance for 2026. DeFabo argued Rodgers might not be ready to commit to next season when free agency begins.
“Rodgers has shown time and time again that he marches to the beat of his own drum; this will probably be his decision more than anyone else,” wrote DeFabo. “Rodgers waited months before committing to the Steelers.
“Maybe Rodgers has had such a good experience that he’s willing to give the Steelers’ an immediate commitment after the season, but that shouldn’t be expected. Given the way things have unfolded in the past, the Steelers shouldn’t anticipate a signature on the dotted line until after OTAs.”
Entering Week 10, there’s too many variables to clearly state where the Steelers might go behind center next year. DeFabo reported the organization is “diligently scouting and evaluating” quarterbacks for next year’s draft. The Steelers should continue to do that regardless of how well Rodgers plays.
But the team also hasn’t ruled out No. 8 returning, and rightfully so. Rodgers has the Steelers in first place and excelling in offensive areas they haven’t since the Roethlisberger era.
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