The 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away, and the Pittsburgh Steelers face major uncertainty at quarterback as free agent Aaron Rodgers continues to drag his feet on a decision for the upcoming season.
The four-time MVP spent the 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh, posting a solid but unspectacular stat line of 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions across 16 games. While he helped stabilize the offense, questions linger about whether the 43-year-old is ready for another Super Bowl push — or if he’ll even return at all.
With Rodgers’ future in limbo, ESPN insider Brooke Pryor dropped a major update on NFL Live, effectively cooling expectations around second-year QB Will Howard as the immediate answer and laying out three intriguing mid-round draft alternatives for head coach Mike McCarthy to consider.
What happens if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return next season? 👀@bepryor breaks down the Steelers' contingency plans ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/rVOyCxr26L
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 3, 2026
Pryor acknowledged McCarthy’s strong praise for the sixth-round pick from the 2025 draft, noting that the coach has been “incredibly high” on Howard. McCarthy even suggested this week that, had he been in charge of last year’s draft board, Howard “would not have been on the board” that late — highlighting his belief in the young signal-caller’s potential as a future starter.
However, Pryor made it clear that the Steelers aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket with the unproven Howard. If the Rodgers plan falls through, Pittsburgh could look elsewhere in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The three mid-round QB bombshells Pryor floated:
Carson Beck (formerly Georgia Bulldogs, then Miami Hurricanes): Beck backed up for two national championships early in his career before stepping up as a starter. He led Miami to the national championship game in 2025, though they fell short against Indiana. His experience and pedigree make him a steady bridge option.
Drew Allar (Penn State Nittany Lions): Once viewed as a potential Day 1 pick, Allar’s draft stock has slipped due to injuries. Still, his size and arm talent keep him on the radar as a developmental prospect who could compete for snaps.
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers): Another former high-upside prospect whose value has been affected by injuries. Nussmeier brings mobility and playmaking ability that could fit well in a competitive room.
These three names represent realistic mid-round targets who could serve as bridge quarterbacks in 2026 — either starting while a younger player develops or pushing Howard for the backup (or even starting) role.
Aaron Rodgers over the weekend at a charity event – Will Howard was also in attendance.
Video from Rodgers Realm/IG pic.twitter.com/UzB0GsCY7T
— SteelerNation (@steelernation) March 23, 2026
McCarthy, who coached Rodgers during his Super Bowl XLV victory with the Green Bay Packers, remains optimistic about their ongoing conversations. He’s spoken with Rodgers “weekly, every couple of days,” describing the dialogue as comfortable and consistent with their long history together (13 years in Green Bay). Yet, as the draft approaches, the Steelers must prepare contingencies.
Pryor’s comments signal a pragmatic shift: while McCarthy loves Howard’s traits, the organization isn’t shutting the door on adding proven college production through the draft. Whether it’s Beck’s championship experience, Allar’s raw tools, or Nussmeier’s upside, Pittsburgh has clear fallback plans if Rodgers stalls any longer.
Steelers fans are left wondering — will Rodgers commit and buy the team more time, or will McCarthy roll the dice on one of these draft-day bombshells to reshape the quarterback room? The clock is ticking.
