It is unlikely that Aaron Rodgers will return to the Pittsburgh Steelers at 42 years old and with very limited mobility. In addition, the veteran quarterback surely already has other plans for his life at this stage of his career.
Faced with this new scenario, and with the franchise still lacking a designated head coach, it is expected that much of the effort during this offseason already underway will be focused on the search for a new quarterback who can return the team to prominence.
There is also the slight possibility that Rodgers could decide to return to the team. Perhaps in one of those darkness retreats or somewhere in the Costa Rican jungle, he reconnects with himself and feels that he still has something left to give to the organization.
Analysts see the Steelers as the best destination for Carson Beck
While Aaron Rodgers defines what he will do with his professional life for 2026, the team needs to establish a plan involving a young player who can be part of the roster and perhaps become the next Ben Roethlisberger.
Given this situation, reporter Alex Kay of Bleacher Report stated that the Steelers would be one of the two teams where the quarterback, now former Miami Hurricanes passer Carson Beck, could land spectacularly.
The other franchise, Kay said would fit Beck like a glove would be the Los Angeles Rams.
Assuming Rodgers elects to retire or chooses to play a 22nd NFL season elsewhere following Tomlin’s departure, the Steelers currently lack a viable replacement. Longtime backup Mason Rudolph and fifth-round rookie Will Howard were the depth options behind Rodgers in 2025, but neither profiles as a long-term solution to the team’s QB woes.
Beck is projected to be selected in the middle rounds of the draft to be held next April, which would make him a perfect fit for Pittsburgh. For their other needs, the team could target a wide receiver first and then select the young quarterback afterward.
Beck would be an ideal mid-round pick to compete with Howard for the QB1 role in 2026. He offers a unique blend of experience and traits that a team like the Steelers should be happy to roll the dice on with a late-Day 2 or early-Day 3 pick to give them a shot at a competent starter without needing to reach for a fringe first-rounder on Day 1 or execute a costly trade up.
Although Carson Beck would have no guarantee of starting in Pittsburgh
If he lands in Pittsburgh, Beck would not immediately be the starter, but he would receive strong support from both the front office and the new head coach. The franchise is known for its patience with players, especially at the crucial quarterback position.
Beck has ideal size for an NFL quarterback at 6-4, and he doesn’t hold onto the ball too long. The ability to process a defense quickly and make a throw is more often seen in veteran quarterbacks, so Beck shouldn’t have as difficult of a time transitioning to the next level.
Said Dan Treacy of Yahoo Sports.
With this possibility, it can be expected that the Steelers already have a plan mapped out for what will be their new quarterback or quarterbacks, allowing them to begin settling into the league.
It should also be mentioned that Beck is not the only option the Steelers could consider, as they could also pursue:
- Daniel Jones, who will be a free agent
- Malik Willis, of the Green Bay Packers
That way, they would rely on proven and experienced players. Only time will tell.
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