The Steelers are currently in the midst of a search for the 17th head coach in franchise history. However, that's not the only big decision that needs to be made this offseason. Once again, this team will have to address the quarterback position, and there's a strong chance there'll be yet another starter come September.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, this isn't a great offseason to go get a quarterback. Free agency doesn't present a lot of strong options, the draft class might be just as bare as it was in 2025 and a reunion with Aaron Rodgers is far from a guarantee.
Regardless of the options, Omar Khan and the new head coach will still have to address the position. They cannot go into 2026 with only Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, the only two quarterbacks currently under contract.
Here are a few options the Steelers could explore, in no particular order:
MALIK WILLIS
Perhaps the most attractive candidate in this year's crop of quarterbacks, Malik Willis is coming off two resurgent seasons with the Packers under Matt LaFleur. After the Titans moved on from him after two seasons, Willis backed up Jordan Love over the past two years, and wound up starting three games and played in 11 total games. In those games, Willis put up great numbers, completing 78.7% of his passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns, no interceptions and a 134.6 passer rating.
Willis still has yet to prove he can be a long-term starter, but his performance in Green Bay is hard to ignore. Of the 59 quarterbacks that played at least 50 snaps this season, Willis was far and way the leader in EPA per play and completion percentage over expected while finishing third with 10.1 average air yards. The problem is basing a potential move at quarterback off such a small sample size.
Yet, the growth Willis showed, along with his age (he'll turn 27 in May) and dual threat ability (261 rushing yards, 6.2 yards per carry, three rushing touchdowns in Green Bay) might be enough to take a swing on a short-term deal to see if he's the next quarterback to realize his potential much later after he was drafted. And if it doesn't work out, at least the 2027 draft class looks strong.
AARON RODGERS
It's a long shot, but the Steelers could try and lure Rodgers to return for a second season in Pittsburgh. Rodgers initially came to the Steelers mainly because of Mike Tomlin. With Tomlin stepping down, Rodgers isn't expected to come back. But, that doesn't mean they shouldn't try. It's not like there are a ton of options available.
Rodgers' lone season in Pittsburgh didn't bomb the way things did with Russell Wilson. We know Rodgers is still capable of making some ridiculous throws. He proved he has the capability to tap into the fountain of youth every now and then, reminding everyone why he's one of the best to ever do it. Rodgers also earned a level of respect from his teammates no quarterback has since Ben Roethlisberger occupied the same stall in the Steelers' locker room.
However, we also saw the limitations with Rodgers' game. He's not nearly as mobile as he used to be, yet he still plays like he can move the way he used to. He will sometimes bail pockets too early or pre-determine throws before the snap out of fear of taking hits. He also will want to run the passing concepts with which he is comfortable. That could step on the toes of the new head coach and/or offensive coordinator.
Like I said, it's a long shot. And maybe it's for the best that the Steelers and Rodgers don't reunite. However, he'll be an option until either he or the new head coach say otherwise.
DANIEL JONES
After some turbulent years with the Giants and Vikings, the Colts took a flier on Daniel Jones. It turns out the marriage between Jones and head coach Shane Steichen worked out quite well as Jones turned in the best season of his career.
Jones set career highs in completion percentage (68%), passer rating (100.2) and success rate (52%), with the latter leading the NFL. Steichen also didn't try to use Jones' legs as a weapon, as Jones averaged just 3.5 rush attempts per game, tying his rookie season for the lowest mark in his career. Yet, Jones still finished sixth in EPA per play among all quarterbacks that logged at least 250 snaps. So, he was one of the most efficient quarterbacks while running the least he had in his career.
However, Jones sustained a ruptured right Achilles on Dec. 7, which puts at least the start of the 2026 season in jeopardy. He likely won't be ready for game action by Week 1, which would potentially give Howard an opportunity to get some game action while Jones finishes his recovery.
There are obviously hurdles here. Would Jones be able to replicate his success under a new coach? Would he be able to replicate his success coming off a major injury? It also appears the Colts are interested in keeping Jones, and Jones has made it known he'd like to stay in Indianapolis. But, anything can happen and the Steelers have to be light on their feet.
MAC JONES
Shifting to a couple of potential trade options, Mac Jones might have made himself a valuable commodity on which the 49ers can sell high to any quarterback-needy teams.
Filling in for an injured Brock Purdy, Jones played in 11 games and started eight of them, completing 69.6% (career high) of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, good enough for a career-high 97.4 passer rating. However, according to Pro Football Focus, Jones had eight big-time throws compared to 10 turnover-worthy plays. So, the surface stats might not be as pleasing as his actual performance. Either way, Jones elevating his game under Kyle Shanahan and Klay Kubiak is worthy of consideration, especially if Kubiak is hired to be the Steelers' new head coach.
Trading for Jones is very feasible, as well. His cap hit would only be $3.352 million if acquired, according to Spotrac. The biggest issue would be the cost in assets to trade for Jones (draft picks, players, etc.). The Steelers have a couple of potential trade candidates (Patrick Queen, Broderick Jones), but acquiring Jones would likely cost a valuable draft pick or two. As mentioned, Jones' performance is a great opportunity for 49ers general manager John Lynch to sell high on him.
JUSTIN FIELDS
The Steelers have already had Justin Fields in their employ, and his time in Pittsburgh was the most efficient of his career. However, after betting on himself in free agency and taking a slightly better deal to go to the Jets instead of staying with the Steelers, Fields played in only nine games and was benched in his first season in New York.
In those nine games, Field completed 62.7% of his passes for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. His 89.5 passer rating was actually higher than any of his three seasons in Chicago. Fields also rushed for 383 yards, 5.4 yards per carry and four touchdowns, maintaining his status as a dual-threat quarterback. However, there was a clear disconnect between Fields' style of play and what the Jets wanted to do on offense. The Jets struggled mightily on offense while Fields was under center, forcing Aaron Glenn to turn to veteran Tyrod Taylor. Now, the Jets might end up trading Fields away.
While there is familiarity between Fields and the Steelers organization, this will be a very different team from when Fields was in Pittsburgh for the 2024 season. Tomlin is no longer the head coach and Arthur Smith will likely be gone, as well. So, there's no guarantee Fields would play at the same level he did when he was previously with the Steelers. And, it's not like Fields lit the world on fire during his six starts before Wilson returned from injury. I have serious doubts there'll be a reunion between Field and the Steelers this offseason, with a potential trade further complicating things.
THE NFL DRAFT
If things don't work out with any of the aforementioned options or anyone else, the Steelers could still try and take a swing in the 2026 NFL Draft, which'll be hosted right in their backyard.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, the 2026 crop of quarterbacks looks a lot like the underwhelming 2025 class. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the cream of the crop and would be a great pick. But unless the Steelers were to find a way to trade with the Raiders from 21st overall to the No. 1 pick, that won't be happening. The rest of the class is filled with quarterbacks that aren't surefire first-rounders, such as Alabama's Ty Simpson, Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Miami (FL)'s Carson Beck, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Penn State's Drew Allar, Kansas' Jalon Daniels and Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia.
Nussmeier and Klubnik were thought to be first-rounders prior to the start of the season, but had underwhelming performances this season. Allar was thought to be another first-rounder coming off a promising 2024 season, but was less-than-stellar in Penn State's horrid start, then his draft stock was killed when he sustained a season-ending broken ankle in the sixth game of the season. Simpson might be the best option of the class outside of Mendoza, but his game suffered greatly down the stretch, creating doubt in how he'll mature into an NFL quarterback, especially since he doesn't have an ideal frame or arm.
The dream of the Steelers drafting their next franchise quarterback right outside their home stadium is probably dying. However, that's not going to stop Khan, Andy Weidl and the scouting staff from doing their due diligence over the next few months to try and find a quarterback worthy of one of their 12 potential draft picks. Just because there isn't a slam-dunk prospect doesn't mean it's not worth taking a swing on a guy on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft, just to throw another dart at the board, hoping to hit a bullseye.
THE ASYLUM
Potential QB options for 2026
The Steelers are currently in the midst of a search for the 17th head coach in franchise history. However, that's not the only big decision that needs to be made this offseason. Once again, this team will have to address the quarterback position, and there's a strong chance there'll be yet another starter come September.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, this isn't a great offseason to go get a quarterback. Free agency doesn't present a lot of strong options, the draft class might be just as bare as it was in 2025 and a reunion with Aaron Rodgers is far from a guarantee.
Regardless of the options, Omar Khan and the new head coach will still have to address the position. They cannot go into 2026 with only Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, the only two quarterbacks currently under contract.
Here are a few options the Steelers could explore, in no particular order:
MALIK WILLIS
Perhaps the most attractive candidate in this year's crop of quarterbacks, Malik Willis is coming off two resurgent seasons with the Packers under Matt LaFleur. After the Titans moved on from him after two seasons, Willis backed up Jordan Love over the past two years, and wound up starting three games and played in 11 total games. In those games, Willis put up great numbers, completing 78.7% of his passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns, no interceptions and a 134.6 passer rating.
Willis still has yet to prove he can be a long-term starter, but his performance in Green Bay is hard to ignore. Of the 59 quarterbacks that played at least 50 snaps this season, Willis was far and way the leader in EPA per play and completion percentage over expected while finishing third with 10.1 average air yards. The problem is basing a potential move at quarterback off such a small sample size.
Yet, the growth Willis showed, along with his age (he'll turn 27 in May) and dual threat ability (261 rushing yards, 6.2 yards per carry, three rushing touchdowns in Green Bay) might be enough to take a swing on a short-term deal to see if he's the next quarterback to realize his potential much later after he was drafted. And if it doesn't work out, at least the 2027 draft class looks strong.
AARON RODGERS
It's a long shot, but the Steelers could try and lure Rodgers to return for a second season in Pittsburgh. Rodgers initially came to the Steelers mainly because of Mike Tomlin. With Tomlin stepping down, Rodgers isn't expected to come back. But, that doesn't mean they shouldn't try. It's not like there are a ton of options available.
Rodgers' lone season in Pittsburgh didn't bomb the way things did with Russell Wilson. We know Rodgers is still capable of making some ridiculous throws. He proved he has the capability to tap into the fountain of youth every now and then, reminding everyone why he's one of the best to ever do it. Rodgers also earned a level of respect from his teammates no quarterback has since Ben Roethlisberger occupied the same stall in the Steelers' locker room.
However, we also saw the limitations with Rodgers' game. He's not nearly as mobile as he used to be, yet he still plays like he can move the way he used to. He will sometimes bail pockets too early or pre-determine throws before the snap out of fear of taking hits. He also will want to run the passing concepts with which he is comfortable. That could step on the toes of the new head coach and/or offensive coordinator.
Like I said, it's a long shot. And maybe it's for the best that the Steelers and Rodgers don't reunite. However, he'll be an option until either he or the new head coach say otherwise.
DANIEL JONES
After some turbulent years with the Giants and Vikings, the Colts took a flier on Daniel Jones. It turns out the marriage between Jones and head coach Shane Steichen worked out quite well as Jones turned in the best season of his career.
Jones set career highs in completion percentage (68%), passer rating (100.2) and success rate (52%), with the latter leading the NFL. Steichen also didn't try to use Jones' legs as a weapon, as Jones averaged just 3.5 rush attempts per game, tying his rookie season for the lowest mark in his career. Yet, Jones still finished sixth in EPA per play among all quarterbacks that logged at least 250 snaps. So, he was one of the most efficient quarterbacks while running the least he had in his career.
However, Jones sustained a ruptured right Achilles on Dec. 7, which puts at least the start of the 2026 season in jeopardy. He likely won't be ready for game action by Week 1, which would potentially give Howard an opportunity to get some game action while Jones finishes his recovery.
There are obviously hurdles here. Would Jones be able to replicate his success under a new coach? Would he be able to replicate his success coming off a major injury? It also appears the Colts are interested in keeping Jones, and Jones has made it known he'd like to stay in Indianapolis. But, anything can happen and the Steelers have to be light on their feet.
MAC JONES
Shifting to a couple of potential trade options, Mac Jones might have made himself a valuable commodity on which the 49ers can sell high to any quarterback-needy teams.
Filling in for an injured Brock Purdy, Jones played in 11 games and started eight of them, completing 69.6% (career high) of his passes for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, good enough for a career-high 97.4 passer rating. However, according to Pro Football Focus, Jones had eight big-time throws compared to 10 turnover-worthy plays. So, the surface stats might not be as pleasing as his actual performance. Either way, Jones elevating his game under Kyle Shanahan and Klay Kubiak is worthy of consideration, especially if Kubiak is hired to be the Steelers' new head coach.
Trading for Jones is very feasible, as well. His cap hit would only be $3.352 million if acquired, according to Spotrac. The biggest issue would be the cost in assets to trade for Jones (draft picks, players, etc.). The Steelers have a couple of potential trade candidates (Patrick Queen, Broderick Jones), but acquiring Jones would likely cost a valuable draft pick or two. As mentioned, Jones' performance is a great opportunity for 49ers general manager John Lynch to sell high on him.
JUSTIN FIELDS
The Steelers have already had Justin Fields in their employ, and his time in Pittsburgh was the most efficient of his career. However, after betting on himself in free agency and taking a slightly better deal to go to the Jets instead of staying with the Steelers, Fields played in only nine games and was benched in his first season in New York.
In those nine games, Field completed 62.7% of his passes for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. His 89.5 passer rating was actually higher than any of his three seasons in Chicago. Fields also rushed for 383 yards, 5.4 yards per carry and four touchdowns, maintaining his status as a dual-threat quarterback. However, there was a clear disconnect between Fields' style of play and what the Jets wanted to do on offense. The Jets struggled mightily on offense while Fields was under center, forcing Aaron Glenn to turn to veteran Tyrod Taylor. Now, the Jets might end up trading Fields away.
While there is familiarity between Fields and the Steelers organization, this will be a very different team from when Fields was in Pittsburgh for the 2024 season. Tomlin is no longer the head coach and Arthur Smith will likely be gone, as well. So, there's no guarantee Fields would play at the same level he did when he was previously with the Steelers. And, it's not like Fields lit the world on fire during his six starts before Wilson returned from injury. I have serious doubts there'll be a reunion between Field and the Steelers this offseason, with a potential trade further complicating things.
THE NFL DRAFT
If things don't work out with any of the aforementioned options or anyone else, the Steelers could still try and take a swing in the 2026 NFL Draft, which'll be hosted right in their backyard.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, the 2026 crop of quarterbacks looks a lot like the underwhelming 2025 class. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the cream of the crop and would be a great pick. But unless the Steelers were to find a way to trade with the Raiders from 21st overall to the No. 1 pick, that won't be happening. The rest of the class is filled with quarterbacks that aren't surefire first-rounders, such as Alabama's Ty Simpson, Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Miami (FL)'s Carson Beck, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Penn State's Drew Allar, Kansas' Jalon Daniels and Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia.
Nussmeier and Klubnik were thought to be first-rounders prior to the start of the season, but had underwhelming performances this season. Allar was thought to be another first-rounder coming off a promising 2024 season, but was less-than-stellar in Penn State's horrid start, then his draft stock was killed when he sustained a season-ending broken ankle in the sixth game of the season. Simpson might be the best option of the class outside of Mendoza, but his game suffered greatly down the stretch, creating doubt in how he'll mature into an NFL quarterback, especially since he doesn't have an ideal frame or arm.
The dream of the Steelers drafting their next franchise quarterback right outside their home stadium is probably dying. However, that's not going to stop Khan, Andy Weidl and the scouting staff from doing their due diligence over the next few months to try and find a quarterback worthy of one of their 12 potential draft picks. Just because there isn't a slam-dunk prospect doesn't mean it's not worth taking a swing on a guy on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft, just to throw another dart at the board, hoping to hit a bullseye.
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