Will Aaron Rodgers' potential retirement dash Steelers' 2026 plans?

Will Aaron Rodgers' potential retirement dash Steelers' 2026 plans?

The Pittsburgh Steelers went all out this offseason to reload both their offense and defense for what many hope will equate to a deep postseason run. But those dreams could be dashed if one realistic concern comes to fruition — will 42-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers retire?

The Steelers brought in one of the top coverage cornerbacks of the past several seasons in Jamel Dean, a big-bodied receiver in Michael Pittman to pair with DK Metcalf, and a back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher in Rico Dowdle. But the success of a team featuring this kind of talent hinges on Rodgers' 2026 plans.

Pittsburgh has seemingly gambled all its chips on Rodgers' return this upcoming season, losing out on some veteran and starting-caliber free agent quarterbacks, such as Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray, and Malik Willis, leaving the Steelers down to Will Howard and Mason Rudolph.

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Baron Batch (20) runs with the ball prior to the Steelers game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

August 19, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Toney Clemons (11) on the sidelines against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 16, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end David Paulson (81) turns the ball upfield under pressure from Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

August 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Terrence Frederick (37) breaks up a two point conversion pass attempt to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Lamont Bryant (18) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Fredrick was called for pass interference on the play. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 29, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

May 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 seventh round draft pick defensive end Nick Williams (91) during a break in drills during Steelers rookie mincamp and orientation at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Rob Blanchflower (87) on the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Panthers won 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Demarcus Ayers (15) runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 8, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 30, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Keion Adams (99) against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 27, 2018; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive tackle Joshua Frazier (69) during training camp at St. Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 2, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Derwin Gray (77) gestures as he leaves the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Carlos Davis (73) leaves the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) punts the ball to the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Tre Norwood (21) looks on at the line of scrimmage against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

May 24, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Chris Oladokun (5) participates in organized team activities at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) walks off the field after the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Spencer Anderson (74) reacts on the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (27) intercepts the ball in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) takes the field to play the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Baron Batch (20) runs with the ball prior to the Steelers game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

1 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Aug 19, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Baron Batch (20) runs with the ball prior to the Steelers game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

2 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

August 19, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Toney Clemons (11) on the sidelines against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Sep 16, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end David Paulson (81) turns the ball upfield under pressure from Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

4 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

August 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Terrence Frederick (37) breaks up a two point conversion pass attempt to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Lamont Bryant (18) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Fredrick was called for pass interference on the play. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Aug 29, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Kelvin Beachum (68) against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

6 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

May 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 seventh round draft pick defensive end Nick Williams (91) during a break in drills during Steelers rookie mincamp and orientation at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

7 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Aug 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Rob Blanchflower (87) on the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Panthers won 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

8 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Jan 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Demarcus Ayers (15) runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

9 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Dec 8, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

10 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Aug 30, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Keion Adams (99) against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

11 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Jul 27, 2018; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive tackle Joshua Frazier (69) during training camp at St. Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

12 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Dec 2, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Derwin Gray (77) gestures as he leaves the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

13 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Dec 26, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Carlos Davis (73) leaves the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

14 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III (6) punts the ball to the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

15 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Tre Norwood (21) looks on at the line of scrimmage against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

16 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

May 24, 2022; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Chris Oladokun (5) participates in organized team activities at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

17 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mark Robinson (93) walks off the field after the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

18 / 20

NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Spencer Anderson (74) reacts on the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (27) intercepts the ball in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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NFL Draft: Steelers recent seventh-round picks over the years

Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) takes the field to play the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Howard, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has reportedly shown real promise under Aaron Rodgers' tutelage, but asking the unproven quarterback to start this soon would be a gigantic Year 2 leap and is better suited for another season of development.

Enter Mason Rudolph, who has all but proven himself as a low-ceiling yet dependable backup-caliber quarterback that can manage games but won't win them for Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have put together one of their most complete rosters in recent years, and their aging team is built to compete now — with their 2026 aspirations completely dependent on whether Aaron Rodgers decides to walk away.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers could face tough 2026 season if Aaron Rodgers retires