The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely be back in the quarterback market in 2026.
Aaron Rodgers has provided adequate play for the Steelers this season, but the 41-year-old seems destined for retirement after the season. Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are set to be on the roster next year, but neither is a viable candidate to be Rodgers' successor.
Pittsburgh could look to select a signal-caller in April's draft, but adding a veteran in free agency or through a trade is also possible. CBS Sports' Josh Edwards expects the Steelers to sign a quarterback in the offseason and lists Mac Jones and Trey Lance as two potential options.
The Steelers will once again be out of range to draft one of the best quarterback prospects. Instead, they will either look to acquire a veteran via trade or free agency post-Aaron Rodgers," Edwards wrote.
"Some of the quarterbacks expected to get a second chance this offseason include Mac Jones and Trey Lance."
Jones and Lance could receive opportunities to be starters next season, though Jones is more likely to get that second chance.
The 27-year-old played well for the San Francisco 49ers while filling in for Brock Purdy, tossing 13 touchdowns to six interceptions with a 69.6% completion rate and a 97.4 passer rating. Jones also led the 49ers to a 5-3 record as a starter, but is now back on the bench due to Purdy's return to the lineup.
Lance had a promising preseason with the Los Angeles Chargers and has been Justin Herbert's backup this year. The former No.3 overall pick could fall into a starting spot in 2026, but he is a low-end starter.
If Pittsburgh decides to explore the free agency market for a quarterback, Jones would be a solid option. However, the 2021 first-round pick of the New England Patriots wouldn't elevate the Steelers into a contender and would be just another stopgap signal-caller for the franchise.
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