Rookie Quarterback Linked To Steelers If Aaron Rodgers Retires

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 8:39 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers has not yet announced his plans for the 2026 season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers may not want to wait to start planning for the future.

Although he's no longer considered a top-five quarterback, Rodgers completed 65.7% of his past attempts last season for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor reported earlier this month that it's "more likely than not" that Rodgers will return to the Steelers. However, CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala said there's a good chance the four-time MVP is done playing.

“Having spoken to people who were around him, who have been around him, most everyone that I’ve spoken to who has been around him feels that the chance that he comes back to play is minuscule,” Kinkhabwala said, via Steelers Depot. “In conversations with people who were around him all year who were with him when he was leaving the Steelers when the season was over, all of those people that I spoke to said that it seems far more likely that he is done than that he is going to return.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on after being sacked during the first half of the NFL Wild Card game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 12, 2026.© Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Can the Steelers replace Rodgers in April?

While on "NFL Live" this Tuesday, ESPN's Louis Riddick mentioned Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as an option for the Steelers.

"I like Will Howard - I don't like Will Howard as much as Ty Simpson. I don’t even think they’re in the same stratosphere as far as their ability to throw the football. I think Ty Simpson is a guy who, right now, based upon how the season ended – and we’ve talked about it a lot and we’re going to be talking about it a lot more," Riddick said, via On3. "Based upon how the latter half of the season ended, which wasn’t all on him. The guy was banged up, offensive line is very inconsistent, the running game is nonexistent and the wide receiver corps was up-and-down from week to week. And then, he turns it around in the playoffs against Oklahoma and brings his team back from a 17-point deficit. He’s tailor-made for Mike McCarthy’s system – and Mike has coached some good quarterbacks."

Even if Rodgers doesn't retire, the Steelers should consider drafting Simpson if he's available when they're on the clock with the 21st pick. The Alabama quarterback had a sharp 2025 season, throwing for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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