1. A Short-Term Fix at Quarterback
With the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh has hit the pause button on its revolving-door quarterback saga—at least for now. Rodgers’ one-year deal for the 2025 season effectively stalls the search for a long-term answer under center. Yet, as his contract is almost certainly his last in the NFL, the quarterback position will once again become top of mind after this season.
Even head coach Mike Tomlin and team management acknowledge that once Rodgers hangs up the cleats—likely at season’s end—the search will intensify immediately. Conventional wisdom points to the Steelers selecting a long-term franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. But what if they don’t? As ESPN’s Brooke Pryor notes, there’s a viable alternative: plug-and-play veteran quarterbacks available via free agency or trade in 2026.
2. ESPN Flags Colts QBs as Possible Fits
Brooke Pryor highlights two former first-round picks currently in Indianapolis who could fit Pittsburgh’s transition model:
Daniel Jones, who inked a one-year contract with the Colts, is projected to be the top veteran QB turning free agent in 2026. Having been the Giants’ first-round pick in 2019, Jones is highly regarded as the upper-tier option among veteran quarterbacks who may hit the market.
Anthony Richardson Sr., the Colts’ 2023 first-round pick, remains in contention for the starting role alongside Jones. If Richardson finishes second in the QB competition, he could be cut or traded—potentially giving Pittsburgh an opportunity to snap him up.
These scenarios hinge on turning 2026 into a crossroads: draft a rookie franchise QB or bring in a seasoned veteran with starting experience.
3. Richardson: High Ceilings, Growing Pains
Anthony Richardson drew plaudits entering the league thanks to his athleticism and strong arm, promising a future as a dual-threat quarterback. But hampering injuries and inconsistent play led the Colts to bring in Daniel Jones for competition.
Despite Richardson’s tantalizing upside, his development curve—including injury recovery and on-field refinement—remains a work in progress. That uncertain trajectory makes him a plausible candidate for replacement. If he loses the Colts’ QB battle, Pittsburgh could see an opportunity to claim a high-upside talent at low cost.
4. Drafting Still Remains Priority—but with Flexibility
While veterans like Jones or Richardson could provide a quick fix, Pittsburgh’s primary blueprint remains drafting a quarterback in 2026. The upcoming class is expected to include elite-level prospects, such as:
Arch Manning
LaNorris Sellers
Drew Allar
Garrett Nussmeier
LaNorris Sellers in particular is viewed as the kind of dynamic, dual-threat signal-caller who aligns with Tomlin’s desired offensive identity. And, as outlined in CBSSports and The Athletic coverage, the Steelers are well-positioned to invest draft capital in a QB—they’re projected to have 12 selections in 2026, including multiple third-round picks thanks to compensatory awards and prior trades. That gives them flexibility to strategize smartly: draft high upside, or move up if top QB prospects are available .
Yet, Brooke Pryor correctly emphasizes that even if Pittsburgh pursues a rookie in 2026, the veteran-QB fallback plan—via free agency or trade—will remain viable given the scarcity of top-tier QBs in that market .
5. Why the 2026 Free-Agent QB Market Matters
Free agency usually doesn’t yield elite quarterbacks—but 2026 might offer some exceptions:
Daniel Jones leads the forecasted class of available vets. Despite uneven performances with the Giants, his raw arm talent and youth could appeal to a team seeking a capable stopgap or even a longer-term starter.
Anthony Richardson, assuming he loses the Colts job and Nashville deems him expendable, could spark a reclamation debate—an electric, high-ceiling athlete with untapped potential.
Even quarterbacks who don’t hit traditional free agency might land in Pittsburgh through trade or being cut. That makes scouting the Colts’ QB room essential for the Steelers.
6. Balancing “Now” vs “Next”
Signing Rodgers allows the Steelers to focus on a “win-now” mentality in 2025. His experience, leadership, and performance pedigree give Pittsburgh a veteran centerpiece for their current roster, which includes standout WRs like DK Metcalf and George Pickens, as well as a strong offensive line.
At the same time, those same leaders are investing heavily in future capital and draft picks, aware that Rodgers will leave a void. Thus, the concurrent goals are:
1. Push for a deep playoff run in 2025 behind a Hall of Famer—potentially capturing Pittsburgh’s first postseason win since 2017.
2. Capitalize on 2026 draft capital, either to select a QB like Manning/Sellers/Allar or to maneuver in the veteran QB market.
This dual approach blends immediate ambition with long-term vision.
7. If Not Rodgers, Veterans Still on the Table
Brooke Pryor points out that if the Steelers opt against drafting a QB in 2026—or miss out on their target—they still have veteran options waiting in the wings.
Daniel Jones could lead a young offense and keep Pittsburgh competitive.
Anthony Richardson, though unproven and inconsistent, has previously been described as a flashy “high risk, high reward” choice—his athletic upside draws comparisons to dual-threat archetypes like Jalen Hurts .
Even other teammates—be they trade pieces or cut assets—could surface as inexpensive yet experienced options.
8. What This Means for Steelers Fans
Here’s what to expect heading into 2026:
They’ll either draft a QB early—at least by early Day 2—or continue developing Rodgers’ backups like Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard.
Alternatively, they’ll fill the gap with another former first-round quarterback—such as Jones or Richardson—undercutting the need to draft a QB or bolstering a rookie-led room.
In essence, Pittsburgh faces a crossroads: roster a veteran while drafting premium prospects, or go all-in on a rookie QB.
9. Wildcard Scenarios & Trade Paths
There’s another intriguing route: trades. If a veteran QB like Jones or Richardson doesn’t remain a Colt, Pittsburgh might strike a deal before free agency, preserving draft flexibility while importing experience.
That scenario fits well with Tomlin’s strategic design: use veteran presence to stabilize a rookie QB, or keep offense competitive while preparing for a high-profile rookie entry.
10. The Bottom Line
2025: Aaron Rodgers is the starter—offering short-term leadership and playoff upside before his likely retirement.
2026: Pittsburgh will either draft a franchise quarterback using its wealth of picks or pivot back to free agency/trade, potentially targeting Colts quarterbacks like Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson.
It’s a multifaceted plan that merges a win-now attitude with future readiness—ideal for a franchise striving to maintain relevance in the AFC.
11. Final Thoughts
The Steelers’ strategy shows strategic depth. They seized an opportunity to shore up the QB position with a proven champion. Simultaneously, they’re laying groundwork for a seamless transition, whether via the draft or veteran acquisition.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Rodgers will firm up his legacy. But behind the scenes, Pittsburgh’s front office is steadily mapping out 2026’s quarterback decision: a bold rookie leap, a practical veteran acquisition—or perhaps a blend of both.
If you’d like deeper info on available QBs, draft projections, or Steelers’ internal draft capital, I can provide that next.
Leave a Reply