Currently, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are the only quarterbacks on the depth chart. While Rodgers could still come back, the Steelers will eventually need a successor who can serve as the team’s quarterback of the future once he retires or steps away from the game.
The draft landscape compounds the challenge: outside of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, there aren’t many star quarterback prospects at the top of the class. In that context, ESPN analyst Ben Solak suggested the Steelers could explore the trade market for an established, big-bodied passer.
One potential target is Will Levis, the former Titans quarterback who lost his starting job to Cam Ward in 2025 and missed the season due to a shoulder injury. Levis has a strong arm and developmental upside, presenting a potential low-cost, high-upside option for Pittsburgh if a deal materializes.
Solak noted that teams like the Steelers, as well as open QB2 situations for the Panthers and Packers, could make Levis a logical fit should he become available. With Pittsburgh owning a deep draft war chest, including 12 picks, a late-round exchange for Levis could be feasible.
In summary, Pittsburgh’s quarterback plan for 2026 hinges on Rodgers’ decision and the broader market. Whether through a trade for Levis or via the draft, the Steelers appear poised to add a quarterback to their roster as they prepare for the post-Rodgers era. The situation remains fluid as draft week approaches.
