Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio suggested Carr could fit in Pittsburgh if Rodgers opts not to play for the Steelers in 2026 and if Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson isn’t available at the 21st overall pick. Former Pro Bowl lineman Mark Schlereth echoed the sentiment, praising Carr’s toughness and smarts and saying he could succeed in the right environment.
Carr, who signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the New Orleans Saints three years ago, has made four Pro Bowls but holds a 77-92 record as an NFL starter. His career averages include a 65.1% completion rate and 7.1 yards per attempt, with 257 touchdowns and 112 interceptions. Carr did not play in 2025 and recently suggested he would consider returning if healthy and able to compete for a Super Bowl contender.
The market for Carr appears limited. In the early portion of free agency and during scouting week, no teams have publicly shown interest in trading for his contract rights, and Carr would be entering his mid-30s upon a potential return. This has created a window for the Steelers to explore Carr as a contingency if Rodgers remains in question or if another veteran option is pursued.
Beyond the Steelers, Carr’s momentum as a trade target has faced skepticism given his mixed team success and limited playoff impact. Nonetheless, in the right system, observers believe he could be a viable option for teams seeking stability at quarterback, particularly if Rodgers remains unavailable.
As the offseason develops, Pittsburgh’s quarterback plans may hinge on Rodgers’ decision and the emerging choices at the position in the market. If Rodgers returns, the Steelers’ path could shift away from Carr; if not, Carr remains a plausible, veteran alternative worth monitoring for a potentially impactful, short-term fit.
