The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a familiar situation, once again waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision about his future. At 42, Rodgers might still be a viable option for winning games in 2026, but it's time for the Steelers to explore other avenues, especially considering their current roster isn't championship-ready.
While Kyler Murray and Malik Willis are the hot names in the quarterback market, Spencer Rattler could quietly emerge as the ideal fit for Pittsburgh. The young QB's potential makes him an intriguing option for a team looking to build for the future.
Rattler's journey in New Orleans saw a late surge by Tyler Shough overshadowing his early performances. However, Rattler's stint as a starter revealed promising growth.
In eight games, he threw for eight touchdowns against five interceptions and boasted a 67.7% completion rate, a solid figure among NFL starters. While he may not possess the elite arm talent of the league's top gunslingers, Rattler's ability to manage the game and protect the football is noteworthy.
At just 25, Rattler remains under contract with the Saints, and acquiring him might not break the bank-a late-round draft pick could suffice. His rookie contract remains affordable for the next two seasons, offering the Steelers a low-risk opportunity.
Opting for Rattler over waiting on Rodgers or spending big in free agency could be a strategic move for Pittsburgh. If Rattler doesn't meet expectations, the financial hit would be minimal. But if his flashes of brilliance are genuine, he could thrive under Mike McCarthy and a seasoned offense, potentially cementing his status as a starting quarterback.
In 2026, Rattler might just be the most realistic and promising option for the Steelers as they navigate their quarterback conundrum.