The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to savor this season while they can, as next year is expected to bring an entirely different challenge at the quarterback position. Aaron Rodgers is holding things down for now, but he’s already made it clear that this season will most likely be his last.
“Yeah, I'm pretty sure this is it," said Rodgers. "That's why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn't need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I've had.”
Looking ahead, the Steelers can approach the future in two very different ways.
The first path is to embrace a rebuild and potentially tank for 2026.
“Next offseason, Pittsburgh will be back at square one at quarterback and could enter 2026 with no clear future at the position. That could set up something that Mike Tomlin has never endured as head coach — an under .500 season. With an aging roster (particularly on defense), 2026 could prove to be a transition year for Pittsburgh, where they shed some of their older talent and set up building blocks for the future,” CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan wrote.
The second option is to go all in on drafting a quarterback in 2026, with Alabama’s Ty Simpson emerging as a name to watch.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“Aaron Rodgers has been solid this season. The quarterback position has not been an issue for the Steelers as it had been in recent years. Nonetheless, the hour glass on Rodgers' career has heavily accumulated in one direction and Ty Simpson may be able to bridge the first 18 years of non-losing seasons with Mike Tomlin to the next 18,” CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards wrote.
This would be a strong move. Simpson has patiently waited his turn to take over at Alabama, and that patience has paid off. He’s been a consistent and dangerous quarterback, torching SEC defenses this season.
With Mike Tomlin’s remarkable record of sustained success, Simpson could be the player who helps ensure that standard continues well into the future.