Steelers Weigh Options as Rodgers' Future Remains Uncertain

Pittsburgh may consider drafting a QB early if Rodgers doesn't commit soon

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the complex dynamics of the Steelers' quarterback situation.As the Steelers face uncertainty at quarterback, their upcoming draft decisions could reshape the team's future direction.Today in Pittsburgh

With uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers' plans for the 2026 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly considering drafting a quarterback early in the upcoming draft, including Alabama's Ty Simpson, if Rodgers doesn't inform the team of his decision in the next week.

Why it matters

The Steelers' quarterback situation is in flux, as they await Rodgers' decision on whether he will return for a second season with the team. Drafting a QB early could provide insurance if Rodgers doesn't come back, but it would also be a risky move that could impact the team's other draft priorities.

The details

ESPN's Adam Schefter stated that while the expectation remains that Rodgers will return to the Steelers, there's an opening for the team to more seriously consider adding a quarterback in the draft, potentially as early as the first round with Ty Simpson. Schefter wondered if the Steelers would talk about Simpson at pick #21 if they don't have an answer from Rodgers soon. Simpson had a positive meeting with the Steelers at the NFL Combine, but the team has not hosted him on a top-30 visit yet.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set for next week (April 25-27).
  • The deadline for teams to host prospects on top-30 visits is April 15.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who is currently under contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his future with the team remains uncertain.

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Will Howard

A quarterback who was drafted by the Steelers in the 6th round in 2025 and is expected to compete for the starting job if Rodgers doesn't return.

Mason Rudolph

The Steelers' current backup quarterback who could also be in the mix to start if Rodgers doesn't return.

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What they’re saying

“It shouldn't be that hard. I think people still believe that he's coming back, and people still are expecting him to be the quarterback of the Steelers. And maybe next week he'll just announce he's coming back. But guess what? The draft is next week. So now if the draft comes and you're the Pittsburgh Steelers, are you talking more about quarterbacks?... I think you are.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Analyst

“We were just going back and forth and by the time that we were finished, it felt like five minutes just because of how much fun we had. So, I love Coach McCarthy, I love the Steelers, I love those guys and it was super exciting to get to know them.”

— Ty Simpson, Alabama Quarterback Prospect

What’s next

The Steelers have until April 15 to host Ty Simpson on a top-30 pre-draft visit, which could provide more insight into their interest in him as a potential first-round pick.

The takeaway

The Steelers' quarterback situation is in flux, with Rodgers' future with the team still uncertain. Drafting a QB early, like Simpson, could provide insurance, but it's a risky move that could impact the team's other draft priorities. The next week will be crucial as the Steelers weigh their options ahead of the draft.