Steelers Face Quarterback Uncertainty as Rodgers’ Future Remains Up in the Air
As the 2026 offseason kicks into gear, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in familiar territory-waiting on Aaron Rodgers. And while there’s growing belief that Rodgers is leaning toward a return, nothing is set in stone just yet. Until he makes his intentions clear, the Steelers are walking a tightrope: hopeful for continuity, but fully aware they need to prepare for life without their veteran quarterback.
Last year’s waiting game didn’t do Pittsburgh any favors, and it’s clear the front office doesn’t want a repeat. If Rodgers doesn’t commit before the start of free agency on March 9, the team may be forced to pivot-fast.
That could mean anything from pursuing a proven veteran to giving a young arm a shot. Either way, the Steelers need to be proactive, not reactive.
Let’s take a closer look at a few potential quarterback options Pittsburgh could explore if Rodgers doesn’t return.
Joe Flacco - Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Flacco isn’t going to light up the marquee, but he’s the kind of steady veteran presence that can hold down the fort-or at least push a younger QB in camp. He’s played for every AFC North team except the Steelers, and with his contract expiring, he’s expected to test the market again.
Flacco quietly put together a solid run last season, stepping in midyear and handling the transition from Cleveland to Cincinnati with veteran poise. While no one’s calling him the long-term answer, he’s the type of quarterback who can help stabilize a room, especially if the Steelers are serious about giving Will Howard a legitimate shot at the job.
If Mike McCarthy is truly as high on Howard as he says, bringing in a guy like Flacco makes sense. He can compete, mentor, and slide into a backup role if the young QB seizes the moment.
Kirk Cousins - Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins is a name to watch-not because he’s the future of the franchise, but because he might be the best bridge option available. His time in Atlanta never quite clicked, and with a hefty contract that’s aged poorly, he’s widely expected to be a cap casualty this offseason.
Cousins has his critics, and his stock has dipped in recent years, but he’s still a capable starter. Over the past two seasons, he’s started 22 games and posted a 12-10 record.
Nothing flashy, but nothing disastrous either. He’s the kind of quarterback who can keep you competitive while the rest of the roster continues to evolve.
If Rodgers walks, Cousins will be a name that gets linked to Pittsburgh early and often. He’s experienced, he’s available, and he won’t break the bank.
Geno Smith - Las Vegas Raiders
Geno Smith’s stint with the Raiders didn’t pan out the way many hoped. After a resurgence in Seattle, his move to Las Vegas was supposed to be a continuation of that momentum.
Instead, it fizzled. With the Raiders poised to draft Fernando Mendoza at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft, all signs point to Smith being released.
But don’t count him out just yet.
Smith has shown he can bounce back before. His late-career renaissance in Seattle proved he can handle a starting role-and thrive in the right system.
He also has a local tie to Pittsburgh, having played his college ball at West Virginia. That connection might not mean much on paper, but it could help make the fit feel more natural.
He’s not Rodgers. He’s not a long-term fix. But he’s another veteran option who could come in, compete, and maybe-just maybe-recapture a little of that magic.
The Bottom Line
The Steelers are in quarterback limbo, and they know it. Rodgers returning would be the ideal scenario, giving Pittsburgh one more run with a future Hall of Famer under center.
But they can’t afford to wait too long. The clock is ticking toward free agency, and the front office has to be ready with contingency plans.
Whether it’s a veteran like Flacco, a steady hand like Cousins, or a reclamation project like Smith, the Steelers have options. None of them are Rodgers, but all of them give Pittsburgh a path forward-if it comes to that.
For now, the ball is in Rodgers’ court. But the Steelers? They’re already drawing up the backup plan.