The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be thinking beyond 2025 – and for good reason. While the arrival of Aaron Rodgers has created buzz in the Steel City, insiders believe the veteran quarterback’s time in Pittsburgh will be short-lived.
Head coach Mike Tomlin and the front office are already positioning themselves to capitalize on the 2026 NFL Draft, targeting what is expected to be a deep quarterback class.
Rodgers signed a one-year, $19.5 million deal with the Steelers, bringing Hall of Fame experience and short-term credibility to a team looking for offensive stability. But even the quarterback himself hinted that this is likely his final ride.
“I’m pretty sure this is it… What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin, great leadership, and a city that expects you to win,” Rodgers said.
That kind of language has caught the attention of college quarterbacks across the country, who now view Pittsburgh as a prime landing spot if Rodgers departs after just one season.
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers is already on the Steelers’ radar as a possible top target in the 2026 draft. Sellers, a mobile and dynamic playmaker, could fit well in a Tomlin-coached system built on toughness, efficiency, and leadership under center.
Steelers look to the future
Rodgers may be the starting quarterback in Week 1, but his job isn’t guaranteed long-term. Rookie quarterback Will Howard, a sixth-round pick in 2025, has shown early promise in mini-camp and could challenge Rodgers for snaps later in the season.
Former GM Mike Tannenbaum even suggested that Rodgers might not finish the season as QB1, predicting Howard could take over by December.
Rodgers, for his part, has embraced a mentorship role. “Will’s a good kid… I’m gonna help him out as much as I can,” he said, signaling a willingness to guide the next generation even as his own playing days wind down.
Still, the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh remains fluid. Analysts like Chris Broussard have warned that if Rodgers makes the season “about himself,” it could derail the team’s chances and put pressure on Tomlin to maintain his streak of non-losing seasons.
Chris Canty even speculated that the Rodgers signing could cause friction and jeopardize Tomlin’s future – though the coach remains under contract through 2027.
Pittsburgh still want instant success
On the roster-building front, the Steelers have made win-now moves, including trading for wide receiver DK Metcalf and acquiring cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Those decisions reflect an intent to compete immediately, but the looming focus on drafting a quarterback in 2026 reveals a deeper strategy – win today, but be ready for tomorrow.
Whether it’s Sellers, another rising college star, or even Howard from within, Pittsburgh appears determined to solve its quarterback puzzle for the long term. Mike Tomlin’s reputation for consistency, leadership, and player development has caught the attention of top NCAA talents who now view the Steelers not only as contenders, but as an ideal destination.
The 2025 season may be Rodgers’ final chapter, but for the Steelers – and for college quarterbacks eyeing the pros – it’s only the beginning of a new era in Pittsburgh.
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