Steelers Have Uninspiring Quarterback Plan If Aaron Rodgers Retires

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 4, 2026 1:34 PM ET

With the NFL Draft less than three weeks away, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still uncertain who'll be their starting quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers had an efficient 2025 season for the Steelers, completing 65.7% of his past attempts last season for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. However, he's not sure if he plans on suiting up this fall.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II has made it known that he wants Rodgers to make a decision by the start of the NFL Draft, which is on April 23.

“I have not talked to him. Coach [McCarthy] has been in contact with him pretty regularly,” Rooney told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “I think a decision is probably coming soon.”

According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, there's a "very real possibility" the Steelers select a quarterback during the late stages of the 2026 NFL Draft. While that may sound enticing, they're expected to only target the position on Day 3.

“I think it’s a very real possibility that they could draft a quarterback, maybe not in the first round,” Pryor said. "They have other needs to address, but a later-round guy."

Pryor also pointed out that Steelers coach Mike McCarthy likes what he has in second-year quarterback Will Howard. The Ohio State product has a chance to boost his stock this offseason.

“I’m really excited about Will Howard,” McCarthy said. “He’s someone that, I thought, he really came on there at Ohio State.”

Oct 26, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard warms up for a game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images© Barry Reeger-Imagn Images.

Is there an Option B for Pittsburgh?

If the Steelers aren't convinced Howard is capable of being an NFL starter, they should consider targeting a quarterback like Ty Simpson in the draft.

“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,” ESPN analyst Louis 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."

Simpson threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions last fall. There's no question he's got talent.

For now though, the Steelers are hoping Rodgers will return for the 2026 season.

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

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