Pittsburgh Steelers fans should soak in every bit of what’s left of Aaron Rodgers’ career. The 41-year-old quarterback is likely in his swan song season, wrapping up a 21-year run in the NFL that’s spanned the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and now the Steelers.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show on June 24. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had.”
That means Pittsburgh will almost certainly be in the market for a new quarterback after the season — and the 2026 NFL Draft appears to be the most likely path.
In his latest first-round mock draft, ESPN analyst Jordan Reid projected the Steelers to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 30 overall pick.
“It’s essential for the Steelers to find the heir apparent under center to soon-to-be 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, and I think Simpson has been the most impressive of the draft-eligible quarterbacks,” Reid wrote. “Despite the need, Pittsburgh waited until Round 6 to pick a QB this past April (Will Howard). It can’t wait that long again.”
Ty Simpson May Not Leave Alabama After 2025 Season
The one catch with Simpson potentially landing in Pittsburgh is his eligibility. As a redshirt junior, he could declare for the 2026 NFL Draft — or stay in Tuscaloosa another year.
“It’s not certain that Simpson will declare for the 2026 draft, but league evaluators have taken notice of his impressive stretches this season,” Reid noted. “He has thrown 16 touchdown passes and just one interception this season.”
Experience remains another concern. Despite being part of Alabama’s 2022 recruiting class, Simpson spent most of his first three seasons as a backup. Before this year, he hadn’t thrown for 200 yards or a touchdown in any of his 22 career appearances.
He’s made up for it in 2025, however, totaling 21 touchdowns combined through the air and on the ground while emerging as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner. Still, if his stock continues to rise, and the Steelers keep winning, the two may not get the chance pair up in the first round.
Aaron Rodgers Has Steelers Off to Hot Start
Even if the offense hasn’t looked spectacular — ranking 30th in total offense, 27th in passing, and 16th in scoring — Rodgers has done his part to lead the Steelers to a promising start. Pittsburgh sits at 4-1, atop the AFC North.
Rodgers has been the division’s constant amid chaos. The Ravens, Bengals and Browns have all dealt with uncertainty under center this season due to injuries — or in Cleveland’s case, inconsistency.
And speaking of old quarterbacks, Rodgers will square off against another 40-plus-year-old on Thursday Night Football, October 16, when the Steelers face Joe Flacco and the Bengals in Cincinnati.
“I think it’s great for all the old guys,” Rodgers told reporters. “When I watch other sports, maybe it’s because I’m the older guy, I tend to pull for the older guys to win championships.”
Another win would extend the Steelers’ lead in the division and keep them near the top of the AFC standings.
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