Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes to Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The pass fell incomplete.

Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson Mentioned as Potential 2026 QB for AFC Franchise

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 9:35 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have a problem with their starting quarterback situation, at least for the 2025 NFL season, after they signed Aaron Rodgers to a one-year contract. As long as Rodgers is healthy and his performance isn’t disastrous, he’ll be the one to run the show for Pittsburgh’s offense on the field.

But it’s a different outlook for the Steelers beyond the 2025 campaign. The coming season could very well be Rodgers’ last in the NFL, so it’s not a stretch to imagine Pittsburgh already planning how to address their quarterback situation once this short-term partnership with Rodgers inevitably ends.

ESPN reporter mentions 2 options for Pittsburgh Steelers QB in 2026

Meanwhile, ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor, who covers the Steelers, shared a couple of names as potential starting QBs for the team in the future.

Wrote Pryor: “They could also go another route. Top-tier quarterbacks don’t often hit free agency, and 2026 isn’t an exception. Former first-round pick Daniel Jones, who signed a one-year deal in Indianapolis, is the best available free agent of the 2026 class so far. Other quarterbacks, though, could become available in releases or trades. Anthony Richardson Sr., Indianapolis’ other quarterback and its 2023 first-round pick, is competing with Jones for the starting job. Whoever comes in second could be available.”

Between Richardson and Jones, it’s the latter who has more experience as a starter in the league, plus the former Duke Blue Devils star can say that he’s led a team to the NFL playoffs.

How both quarterbacks will perform in 2026 could factor in about their availabilty for the Steelers (or any other QB-needy teams for that matter) in the next offseason.

Jun 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) pitches a ball during training camp at the Farm Bureau Football complex. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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