The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to get just one season out of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
During a recent episode of “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers admitted that the 2025 season is probably going to be his last in the NFL.
“That’s why we just did a one-year deal — Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything,” Rodgers said. “This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had. I mean, I’ve played freaking 20 years, you know? It’s been a long run, and I’ve enjoyed it. What better to place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys and a city that expects you to win.”
The Steelers drafted Will Howard as a possible future replacement for Rodgers, but there is no guarantee he’ll pan out, especially considering he’s a sixth-round pick.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor recently floated some suggestions for the Steelers to pursue in 2026 in order to replace Rodgers, and she mentioned Arizona Cardinals quarterback, Kyler Murray.
The Steelers could first look at former first-round picks who haven’t played up to their expected potential,” she said. “Arizona’s Kyler Murray will have two years and a club option on his current contract after the 2025 season. His cap hits are significant — $53.2 million and $43.5 million — but they could be massaged and restructured.”
Murray still has two more years and a team option for 2028 left on his $230.5 million deal, but it’s possible the Cardinals would be willing to part with him via trade after this season if things don’t improve in Arizona.
The Steelers’ interest in such a deal will depend upon their course of action in 2026. If the team proves to be a contender this season, Pittsburgh could make another win-now move at quarterback to replace Rodgers.
However, if things go south and the Steelers fall short of expectations, a house cleaning that starts with the firing of head coach Mike Tomlin could be in order, in which case the team might opt to find its next franchise quarterback in the draft.
And, there is also the possibility that Howard does rise to the occasion and prove he’s worthy of the starting job. In that ideal scenario, the Steelers wouldn’t have to go out and spend a pretty penny on a quarterback like Murray and could instead focus their resources on other needs.
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