The Pittsburgh Steelers are investigating potential backup quarterbacks to prepare for a scenario where Aaron Rodgers might not be their starting quarterback in 2026. This strategy was reported recently by NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo through Pro Football Talk, highlighting the team’s efforts to create a contingency plan amid Rodgers’ unsettled future.
Although it is generally expected that Rodgers will continue as the Steelers’ starter, neither he nor the team has formally confirmed this for the upcoming seasons. Rodgers, who joined the Steelers on a one-year contract last year, will become a free agent this Wednesday, leaving his longer-term plans uncertain.
Current Contract and Discussions Between Rodgers and Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has indicated that the negotiations surrounding Rodgers’ future should resolve more quickly than last year’s drawn-out talks, which delayed Rodgers’ arrival until June. Despite this optimism, Rodgers himself does not appear pressed to set any immediate deadline on his decision.
During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers said,
“I’ve been spending a lot of time with my wife, we went on a ski trip, been laying low. … I’ve talked to Mike, I’ve talked to Omar. There’s no deadline put in front of me, no contract offer to debate over.”
This comment reflects Rodgers’ current relaxed approach to contract discussions and planning for his future with the Steelers.
Aaron Rodgers’ Career and Recent Performance Overview
At 42 years old, Rodgers began his NFL career as a first-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2005. He signed a substantial four-year, $134 million contract extension in 2018, featuring more than $100 million guaranteed. In 2022, he secured another lucrative three-year, $150 million agreement, with $101 million guaranteed, shortly before being traded to the New York Jets.
His 2023 season with the Jets was cut short after suffering an Achilles injury in Week 1, limiting him to just four snaps. The Jets released Rodgers after the season with a June 1 designation. He subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Steelers.
In the 2025 season, Rodgers played in 16 games as Pittsburgh’s quarterback, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,322 yards, delivering 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, demonstrating solid performance despite recent uncertainties.
Possible Effects and Future Considerations for Steelers’ Quarterback Position
With Rodgers’ free agency approaching and no firm commitment yet in place, the Steelers’ initiative to explore backup quarterbacks highlights their cautious approach to securing stability at the position. Decisions made in the coming months will be critical in shaping the Steelers’ offensive prospects for 2026 and beyond.
Omar Khan’s management of the situation and Rodgers’ eventual choice will influence the team’s strategic planning heading into the offseason, ensuring that the Steelers maintain competitive options regardless of Rodgers’ ultimate path.
