Steelers should start considering QB options in 2026 NFL Draft after massive Aaron Rodgers update

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will likely be a one-year rental for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In a Tuesday interview with "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers, 41, indicated he plans to retire after the 2025 season. With that in mind, the Steelers should start scouting QBs in the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. 

The Steelers took Ohio State Buckeyes QB Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Rodgers said he wants to help Howard "as much as possible," but even with the tutelage of the four-time MVP, he may not become a viable successor. 

In a scouting report before the draft in April, Nick Akridge of Pro Football Focus noted Howard lacks the arm talent of an elite NFL QB and will likely be a solid backup. 

The 2026 class includes QB prospects with more upside than Howard, such as Arch Manning (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) of the Texas Longhorns and LaNorris Sellers (6-foot-3, 242 pounds) of the South Carolina Gamecocks. 

Manning — the nephew of two-time Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli — has played little in his first two seasons at Texas, but his flashes have been impressive. He has thrown for 969 yards and nine touchdown passes in 12 games during this span. As of Tuesday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists him as the preseason Heisman favorite (+700). 

If Arch Manning doesn't declare for the draft, Sellers would be a solid fallback plan. He's the prototypical dual-threat QB. In two seasons with the Gamecocks, he has 28 touchdowns (20 passing and eight rushing) and 3,345 yards (2,620 passing and 725 rushing).

South Carolina promoted offensive assistant Mike Shula to offensive coordinator/QBs coach this offseason, which could help Sellers take off in 2025. Shula was an OC for the Carolina Panthers from 2013-17, helping former QB Cam Newton win 2015 league MVP.

The 2026 draft seems the perfect time for the Steelers to take their QB of the future in front of their fan base, whether it's Arch Manning, Sellers or another prospect.