Sources offer contrasting views. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has asserted confidence that Rodgers will sign with Pittsburgh within a month, while CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala, citing people close to Rodgers, described a return as “minuscule” and more likely that he is done with the NFL.
If Rodgers does not return, Pittsburgh will likely pursue quarterback options in the offseason. One name increasingly discussed is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who could become available via trade if his vision issues are resolved after a recent orbital bone injury, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder.
Analysts view Richardson as a high-risk, high-reward option for the Steelers. Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay argues Richardson’s ceiling is immense, potentially transforming Pittsburgh’s long-standing quarterback situation, though he cautions that Richardson carries a lower floor compared with other archetypes.
Richardson’s NFL experience is limited—three seasons with 17 games played and 15 starts—producing 2,400 passing yards, 11 TDs, 13 INTs, and a 50.6% completion rate. Still, proponents see him as a potential long-term solution if development progresses, or as a stepping stone toward securing a franchise passer in the 2027 draft.
In sum, Pittsburgh could pivot to trades or other avenues if Rodgers opts not to return. The discussion centers on whether Richardson offers the best balance of upside and risk for a franchise seeking stability at quarterback.
