Steelers Await Rodgers' Decision as Howard Develops

Pittsburgh's quarterback situation hinges on whether the four-time MVP returns for 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting to see if four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return for the 2026 NFL season or retire. Head coach Mike McCarthy, who previously coached Rodgers in Green Bay, has expressed interest in bringing him back. The team is also encouraged by the development of 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, who could compete for the starting job if Rodgers moves on. However, the Steelers may also look to the 2026 draft for a quarterback if Rodgers retires.

Why it matters

Rodgers' decision will have a major impact on the Steelers' quarterback situation in 2026. If he returns, he provides an experienced veteran presence and familiarity with McCarthy's system. If he retires, the team will need to determine if Howard is ready to take over or if they should draft a new quarterback.

The details

Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions as a free agent signing with the Steelers in 2025 after two forgettable seasons with the New York Jets. McCarthy has said he would welcome Rodgers back, and the team is encouraged by Howard's development. However, Rodgers is taking his time on a decision, and the Steelers are also looking at quarterback options in the 2026 draft, which lacks depth at the position beyond the top two prospects.

  • Rodgers' decision is expected to come sometime in the coming months, with no firm timeline.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A four-time NFL MVP quarterback who is considering returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season or retiring.

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers and has expressed interest in bringing him back to Pittsburgh.

Will Howard

A 2025 sixth-round draft pick of the Steelers who the team believes has "tremendous upside" and could compete for the starting quarterback job if Rodgers retires.

Mason Rudolph

The Steelers' current backup quarterback who is entering the final year of his contract and would likely start ahead of Howard if Rodgers does not return.

Fernando Mendoza

The projected number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which lacks depth at the quarterback position.

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What they’re saying

“Both sides are open to a potential return. Aaron Rodgers tends to take his time on such matters, so I don't expect a swift resolution, but head coach Mike McCarthy likes Aaron Rodgers, of course, from his time in Green Bay. He is a bridge option for them. They've looked hard at quarterbacks in the 2026 draft, so they certainly could draft one.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

“Will Howard has tremendous upside.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (ESPN)

What’s next

The Steelers will wait for Rodgers' decision, which could come in the coming months. If he retires, they will need to determine if Howard is ready to take over or if they should draft a new quarterback in April.

The takeaway

Rodgers' decision will have a major impact on the Steelers' quarterback situation in 2026. If he returns, he provides an experienced veteran presence, but if he retires, the team will need to rely on the development of Will Howard or look to the draft for a new signal caller.