Pittsburgh Steelers predicted to replace Aaron Rodgers with 6-foot-2, 51-TD quarterback

Mike Moraitis

Pittsburgh Steelers predicted to replace Aaron Rodgers with 6-foot-2, 51-TD quarterback image

The future of the quarterback position is murky for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

41-year-old Aaron Rodgers has the reins of the offense for this season, but he could very well retire in 2026. Behind him, the Steelers have Mason Rudolph, who is a career backup, and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, who is a total wild card.

Safe to say, things are unsettled for the Steelers for 2026 when it comes to the most important position in the NFL and that could have Pittsburgh dipping into the NFL draft next year for a potential franchise signal-caller.

Pro Football & Sports Network's Josh Weil thinks that's what's going to happen in his latest seven-round mock draft. He has Pittsburgh taking LSU signal-caller Garrett Nussmeier with the No. 15 overall pick.

"Garrett Nussmeier’s evaluation will remain polarizing throughout the 2026 NFL Draft cycle," he wrote. "His arm is above-average at best, he’s a middling physical talent, and he’s not immune to lapses in decision-making and precision. But he’s an authentic coach’s son with elite football IQ and processing, and at his best, he can be a high-level operator for an offense."

Over five years at LSU, the 6-foot-2 signal-caller has thrown for 6,734 yards and has scored 51 total touchdowns, 46 of which have come through the air.

Nussmeier put himself on the map in 2024 with an impressive showing that saw him post 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns to 12 picks.

Through four games this season, Nussmeier is completing 68.6% of his passes for 962 yards and six touchdowns to two interceptions.

Depending on how things go for him at LSU this season, Nussmeier could work his way into the conversation as the top quarterback in next year's draft class.

At the very least, he should garner first-round consideration, which will put him in play for the Steelers, even if they don't have a high pick.

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Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who covers the NFL for the Sporting News. Over his nearly two decades covering sports, Mike has also worked for Bleacher Report, USA TODAY and FanSided. He hates writing in the third person.