For the first time in nearly two decades and to the surprise of most, the Steelers are navigating a transformation that felt inevitable to undergo. With the transition from Mike Tomlin to new head coach Mike McCarthy, the organization is desperate to take a clear future direction, but their current star, Aaron Rodgers, remains on the list of ‘doubts’.
Rodgers, who led the Steelers to an AFC North title in 2025, has yet to commit to a return or a retirement. His silence has placed the franchise in a strategic deadlock. However, according to the latest draft projections from Steelers Wire, McCarthy may be preparing a master play that could finally bridge the gap between the “Rodgers Era” and the future: the selection of Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the third round.
All eyes on Carson Beck
Carson Beck’s journey to the 2026 NFL Draft is a perfect example of the volatility of the modern quarterback position. In 2023, he was the toast of Athens, Georgia, leading the Bulldogs to a dominant 63-3 Orange Bowl victory and leading the SEC in completions and yardage. At that time, scouts viewed him as a potential first-overall pick.
A significant injury to his throwing hand ended his final season with the Bulldogs prematurely. Then, seeking redemption, Beck transferred to Miami for the 2025 season. While he flashed his 2023 potential during a 5-0 start, the next coin toss did not land on heads.
This regression has turned Beck into a day 2-3 prospect. For a team like Pittsburgh, this is not a crisis, it is an opportunity.
The space Rodgers leaves
If Aaron Rodgers decides to walk away, the Steelers are left with a room that feels paper-thin. Will Howard is unexperienced, and Mason Rudolph is viewed more as a steady veteran than a developmental ceiling-raiser.
By targeting Beck in the third round, McCarthy is making a calculated move that minimizes risk while maximizing potential upside. The young boy from Miami is widely credited with the development of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.
Nevertheless, if Rodgers returns for one last dance in 2026, Beck is not required to start. He can sit, learn the system, and adapt his mental processing of the NFL game.
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