Sometimes, actions tell the story better than words.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their quarterback intentions clear for the 2026 NFL season, especially regarding Aaron Rodgers. Known for his unpredictability, Rodgers could always surprise us, but the Steelers seem to have a plan in place.
They’ve passed on quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields, and Geno Smith, despite having the opportunity to acquire them on favorable deals. As ESPN's Bill Barnwell notes, these quarterbacks aren't guaranteed successes, and the alternatives still available are older and more costly.
So, why this approach?
If Rodgers is returning, the Steelers wouldn’t need to pursue those other quarterbacks. The possibility of reuniting Rodgers with Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh’s new coach and Rodgers’ former Super Bowl-winning partner in Green Bay, seems almost destined.
Their partnership in Green Bay ended with some struggles, but both have spoken positively about each other since. Rodgers helped guide the Steelers into the playoffs last season by taking care of the football, which aligns perfectly with what McCarthy would want from his quarterback in 2026.
The upcoming draft class doesn’t offer much promise beyond the anticipated top pick, Fernando Mendoza, making Rodgers the most viable option for now. If Rodgers stays, Pittsburgh can defer their quarterback concerns to the future.