The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2026 offseason with more questions than answers-none bigger than who’s going to be under center, and who’s going to be calling the shots from the sideline. With Mike Tomlin stepping down after a long and decorated tenure, and Aaron Rodgers’ future in black and gold hanging in the balance, the Steelers are facing a pivotal moment in franchise history.
Let’s start with Rodgers. He helped guide the Steelers to 10 wins and a division crown last season, but his future in Pittsburgh is far from certain.
According to insider reports, the Houston Texans could emerge as a surprise suitor for the veteran quarterback. And on the surface, it makes some sense.
Houston’s defense offers a more stable foundation, and after C.J. Stroud’s postseason struggles, the Texans might be tempted to go all-in with a seasoned signal-caller who still has some magic left in the tank.
If Rodgers does indeed move on, that leaves Pittsburgh in a tough spot. The quarterback room becomes a major question mark, and with no clear heir apparent, the team could be forced to get creative-either through the draft or the trade market.
But here’s where things get even more interesting. In a recent mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. took a different route.
Instead of locking in a quarterback with Pittsburgh’s first-round pick, he addressed the wide receiver corps. His reasoning?
The quarterback class doesn’t offer a clean solution at the Steelers’ draft position. Kiper floated Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss as a potential first-rounder, but noted that his status is clouded by an ongoing eligibility lawsuit.
Beyond that, the rest of the QB class feels like a reach in Round 1.
So, Kiper pivoted-landing a WR2 to line up opposite DK Metcalf. And if you watched the Steelers down the stretch, you know how much they missed Metcalf when he was suspended.
Over the final two weeks of the regular season, Pittsburgh managed just one passing touchdown. That’s not going to cut it in today’s NFL.
Kiper’s pick, a physical receiver with strong route-running and red zone production (11 touchdowns, seven inside the 20), could give this offense a much-needed spark and help take some of the pressure off Metcalf.
Meanwhile, the Rodgers rumor mill keeps spinning. One scenario gaining traction?
A potential move to the Minnesota Vikings. Insider buzz suggests there's a real chance-about 35 percent-that Rodgers could land in Minnesota.
That number might raise some eyebrows, but consider the context: J.J. McCarthy struggled in 2025, tossing 12 interceptions and battling accuracy issues.
For a Vikings team that’s ready to contend, Rodgers could be a short-term answer with long-term implications.
Back in Pittsburgh, team president Art Rooney II has made it clear that quarterback will be a central topic in the search for a new head coach. That’s not surprising. Whoever takes over the reins will have to navigate a roster with talent, but also uncertainty-especially at the game’s most important position.
The Steelers have long prided themselves on stability, but right now, they’re standing at a crossroads. Whether it’s rebuilding with a young quarterback, reloading with another veteran, or doubling down on the weapons around whoever ends up under center, one thing is clear: the decisions made this offseason will shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.