This is Steelers' reported plan B if Aaron Rodgers retires or signs elsewhere

A Pittsburgh Steelers team that has longtime backup quarterback Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round draft pick Will Howard will reportedly soon learn whether or not 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers will return to serve as its QB1 for the 2026 season.

Some have speculated that the Steelers could look to sign an inexpensive veteran in free agency if Rodgers surprises members of the NFL community and announces his retirement as soon as this week. During the latest edition of the "Kaboly + Mack" program, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show" indicated that Pittsburgh's 2026 Week 1 starting quarterback was on the club's roster this past January.

Steelers' plan B may not excite some Pittsburgh fans

"Plan B in my eyes is right in front of you," Kaboly explained, per Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "If Aaron says, 'Nope, I'm done,' it's Mason, Will, let's see who can win the job, and we'll bring in some third guy." 

Some understandably have wondered if the Steelers could look to sign either Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins when they become available after the new league year opens at 4 p.m. ET this coming Wednesday. Because of what they're owed by their current employers, they could ink one-year deals for $1.3M with the club of their choice. 

That said, many in the NFL seemingly expect Murray to join the Minnesota Vikings. It also sounds like those running the Steelers aren't all that keen on taking a flier on the often-injured Tagovailoa. 

Are Steelers ready to pass on proven quarterbacks in free agency?

Murray and Tagovailoa have their flaws, but either would be viewed by pockets of fans as an upgrade over Rudolph and Howard. Howard took no regular-season in-game snaps as a rookie, so one can only guess what he may or may not be for Pittsburgh later this year. 

Nevertheless, it appears the Steelers will enter free agency acting like a team that's happy with its quarterback situation. 

"I just don't think that they're thinking they're gonna go out there and find somebody in free agency if Rodgers all of a sudden says no," Kaboly added about the Steelers. Kaboly also suggested Rodgers will confirm his return to the Steelers "sooner rather than later."