Andrew Buller-Russ
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting on four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, hoping the 42-year-old doesn’t retire. For Rodgers, his options appear to be either retirement or head back to Pittsburgh for a second season and a reunion with his former Packers coach, Mike McCarthy. It seems too perfect a fit for the 21-year pro to call it quits now.
Yet, no matter what, whether Rodgers retires or returns, the Steelers appear deadset on adding another quarterback through the 2026 NFL Draft. If so, it means a crowded QB room, as Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard already command spots on Pittsburgh’s roster. Add Rodgers, and that’s a full depth chart. But it may not be enough.
According to The Athletic‘s Steelers reporter Mike DeFabo, Pittsburgh “hopes to have another young arm on the roster by the end of draft weekend.” Coach Mike McCarthy revealed as much when addressing the media at the NFL’s league meetings.
“I’m hopeful there will be a quarterback at the right time there for us to possibly add to our to our roster,” McCarthy said. “With 12 picks, we want to have a hell of a class.”
The Steelers possess more draft selections than any other team, beginning with No. 21. DeFabo’s sense is that the Steelers would prefer to target one in the middle rounds of the draft. After 21, the Steelers hold No. 53, and three third-round selections. That gives them plenty of ammo to target the QB of their choice.
DeFabo also noted that the QB who seems to “check the most boxes in McCarthy’s criteria” is Miami (FL) prospect Carson Beck, who has both long arms and big hands, two traits Pittsburgh’s coach covets in QBs. He’s the only one that Pittsburgh both met with at the combine and brought to the team facility for a pre-draft visit thus far. Beck is projected to be a mid-round pick.
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