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Steelers Quarterback Plan Revealed Amid Aaron Rodgers Retirement Rumors
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Steelers Quarterback Plan Revealed Amid Aaron Rodgers Retirement Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Conor Rafter  |  Last updated Mar 10, 2026 1:27 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of a crucial NFL offseason, as veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers contemplates his future in the sport.

Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns during the 2025 regular season, leading Pittsburgh to a 10th AFC North title. 

However, defeat to the Houston Texans in the wildcard round quickly ended hopes of a deep postseason run for the Steelers. Almost immediately, rumors began swirling over Rodgers’ possible NFL retirement. 

The four-time NFL MVP is no stranger to debate concerning his career – reports in 2024 suggested he was considering retirement after a disappointing spell at the New York Jets.

In 2026, Rodgers’ future remains similarly uncertain. 

But, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers are prepared to adopt an unexpected plan of action if Rodgers decides to retire from professional football. 

Speaking on ESPN Get Up, Schefter explained that although the Steelers would like to see Rodgers return next season, the team is satisfied with its current backup options.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.Via Imagn Images

“They (Steelers) have been open about wanting him (Rodgers) to return. Everybody on the team, the players, has wanted him back. But the fact of the matter is it’s got to come from Rodgers. It hasn’t.”

Schefter then presented a hypothetical scenario in which Rodgers walks away from the NFL this year, and how the Steelers may react.

“People won’t love this, but I think that they (Steelers) believe that they have a quarterback prospect in Will Howard.”

Howard, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has yet to play a single minute for the Steelers. 

Nevertheless, Schefter reaffirmed that officials at Acrisure Stadium remain confident in the ability of the former Ohio State man under center to improve under new head coach Mike McCarthy.

“They believe that Mike McCarthy’s strength is developing good, young, smart quarterbacks. I’m just telling you what they think.”

Schefter also added that the Steelers’ internal faith in Howard would not dissuade the franchise from adding another quarterback to the roster.

“It doesn’t mean they wouldn’t add another quarterback. But, they’re hoping Rodgers comes back. And if he doesn’t, they would then be prepared to have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster."

While Steelers’ staff would prefer that Rodgers returns to play under McCarthy in 2026 – particularly given that the pair worked together for 13 seasons, including one Super Bowl victory – Schefter believes that the team’s confidence in backups Howard and Rudolph has prevented any internal panic during this offseason.

“It’s the reason I think they (Steelers) don’t feel rushed and compelled to go out and add anybody right now.”

Until Rodgers announces his decision, all eyes will remain firmly fixed on the 42-year-old’s future. 

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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