Mike McCarthy is stepping into a high-stakes situation as he takes the reins in Pittsburgh, and the first major decision on his plate is the most important one: Who’s going to be under center when the Steelers kick off the 2026 season?

McCarthy, known for his quarterback-centric approach and long history with elite passers, now faces a pivotal choice. Does he reunite with a familiar face in Aaron Rodgers, or does he roll the dice on a younger, more dynamic option?

One name that’s generating buzz-at least outside the Steelers’ facility-is Malik Willis. NFL insider Emory Hunt floated the idea of Pittsburgh making a move for the former Titans quarterback, who’s currently with the Green Bay Packers. Hunt didn’t just throw out Willis’ name-he compared his potential fit in Pittsburgh to what Dak Prescott once brought to the Dallas Cowboys under McCarthy’s watch.

“I think he makes an ideal fit, to be completely honest,” Hunt said. “For Pittsburgh, for the city, and also for Mike McCarthy. McCarthy can envision him as the new version of Dak Prescott.”

That’s a bold comparison, but it’s not without some merit. Willis still has that explosive athleticism that made him a standout prospect coming out of college.

While Prescott has evolved into more of a pocket passer over the years, early-career Dak was a legitimate dual-threat weapon-something Willis still brings to the table. Hunt also pointed to growth in Willis’ passing game, crediting his development to increased reps and live-game action.

Still, as of now, there’s no clear indication that Willis is on the Steelers’ radar. Internally, the conversation seems to be centered around two more familiar options: bringing back Aaron Rodgers or giving young quarterback Will Howard a shot to prove himself. Rodgers, of course, brings experience and a history with McCarthy, while Howard represents the unknown upside of a developing talent.

And there’s another name floating in the quarterback carousel-Mac Jones. After a rocky run in New England, Jones found new life in San Francisco last season.

He stepped in for an injured Brock Purdy and quietly put together a solid stretch, going 5-3 in eight starts despite playing through a painful knee injury. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently reported that multiple teams are expected to inquire about Jones’ availability via trade this offseason.

Jones arrived in the Bay Area on a modest two-year, $7 million deal, but his play in relief showed he still has something to offer. For a team like Pittsburgh, looking to solidify its quarterback room, he could be a viable option-especially if McCarthy sees untapped potential in the former first-round pick.

So here we are: McCarthy is staring down a quarterback decision that will define not just the Steelers’ 2026 campaign, but potentially the trajectory of his tenure in Pittsburgh. Whether it’s a reunion with Rodgers, a leap of faith with Howard, a bold swing for Willis, or a calculated trade for Jones, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

This is exactly why the Steelers brought in McCarthy-to bring clarity to the quarterback position and to build a system that maximizes talent, no matter who’s taking the snaps. Now, it’s time to see which direction he chooses.