On Monday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers saw their season come to a decisive end when they were blown out by the Houston Texans, 30-6, in their Wild Card Playoff game.
Heading into the matchup, there was already a belief that it could be the last of Aaron Rodgers‘ illustrious career. After throwing for just 146 yards and an interception, along with a 50.8 passer rating and being sacked four times, it seems like a near lock that the 42-year-old will soon put in his retirement papers.
His exit means that for a fourth straight year, the Steelers will have a new starting QB. There are many different ways the team can go to address the huge hole, assuming Rodgers retires. With that in mind, let’s look at five young and veteran players Pittsburgh could target to replace the NFL legend this offseason.
NFL Free Agency Option: Malik Willis
Malik Willis‘ run with the Tennessee Titans was a major disappointment. However, after two years as a backup for the Green Bay Packers, he has rebuilt his reputation and created real buzz ahead of a jump into NFL free agency this spring. Especially after throwing for nearly 300 yards and hitting on 18 of 21 passes in a late-season loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Is he the sexiest option? No. But he is only 26, and some thought he might be a first-round pick in 2022. Furthermore, he is a high upside option who would come at a very affordable price in the offseason.
NFL Free Agency Option: Kyler Murray
It sure looks like the Kyler Murray era in Arizona will end in the coming months after four injury-plagued seasons. Including taking the field in just five games in 2025. Since it may be difficult for the Cardinals to find a trade partner for his contract, there is a real chance they may outright cut him and move on.
Whether they take a QB or not with their pick at 21st overall, the Steelers should jump at the chance to sign the two-time Pro Bowler if he hits free agency. He is still only 28, and a change of scenery and scheme could get him back to that player. It’s a risk, but a worthwhile one if his asking price isn’t ridiculous.
NFL Draft Option: Ty Simpson
The Steelers may use their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on a QB. Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore are seen as the top two QBs in April. But both will be off the board before Pittsburgh is on the clock at 21. However, one option that may be available at that point is Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
While some rough games late in the season hurt his draft value, he is a very smart pocket passer with a lot of potential and would not be a reach at that point in Round 1.
NFL Draft Option: Trade TJ Watt for No. 2 Pick, Select Dante Moore
The Steelers need a long-term answer at QB. Three straight seasons of relying on a team built around their defense and a QB carousel have not delivered the results fans want. That is why a bold pivot away from that strategy is needed.
They could look to move up to the top of the NFL Draft to get Dante Moore. But the New York Jets giving up their selection at No. 2 won’t be easy, so Pittsburgh will need to give up a top star. TJ Watt is the kind of elite talent that would make Gang Green consider such a move.
The idea is scary, but Pittsburgh must do something radical if it wants to get a franchise QB and end a playoff win slump that hit nine years on Monday.
NFL Free Agency Option: Kirk Cousins
If the Steelers’ front office would like to maintain the status quo or have a veteran signal caller mentor the QB they select at 21, another short-term greybeard option would be Kirk Cousins. All signs point to the Atlanta Falcons cutting the four-time Pro Bowler, who has never returned to elite form after injuring his Achilles.
Cousins would probably be willing to take a team-friendly one-year deal if he knows he will be starting in Week 1. While he seems washed, he did offer reason for hope in his late-season starts.
