The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again being linked with a potential quarterback shake-up as speculation continues to swirl around veteran star Aaron Rodgers. With uncertainty surrounding how the situation could unfold, former Denver Broncos offensive lineman and current analyst Mark Schlereth believes Pittsburgh should not keep all of its eggs in one basket.
During a recent discussion, Schlereth suggested the Steelers should also keep an eye on former New Orleans Saints star quarterback Derek Carr, who recently announced his retirement. According to the longtime NFL voice, Pittsburgh could view the veteran passer as a contingency plan if its pursuit of Rodgers falls through.
Mark Schlereth Floats Retired QB Derek Carr as Backup Plan for Pittsburgh Steelers if Aaron Rodgers Pursuit Falls Short
Speaking on his Stinkin’ Truth Podcast, Mark Schlereth explained why he believes former Saints star quarterback Carr could make sense for the Steelers if the team needs another reliable option in the quarterback room.
Schlereth argued that the veteran passer still has the qualities needed to succeed in the right system and could provide stability for a team trying to remain competitive.
“How about Derek Carr in Pittsburgh with the Steelers? Come back, Mike McCarthy, they played in the playoffs last year. Now you couple a DK Metcalf, with a Pittman who I like,” Schlereth said Monday on his Stinkin Truth Podcast. “I think he’s tough, I think he’s smart, I think he’s a really good player that probably takes too much of a beating. I think you can win with Derek Carr, in the right environment. I just think that makes sense to me.”
Presently, the quarterback situation for the Steelers remains one of the biggest question marks heading into the upcoming season. While the franchise has been linked to 42-year-old Rodgers, there is still uncertainty surrounding whether the four-time MVP will ultimately lead the offense, leaving Pittsburgh without a completely settled plan at the position.
Beyond Rodgers, the Steelers’ current options do not necessarily provide long-term confidence. Veteran Mason Rudolph has experience in the system but has largely been viewed as a backup throughout his career, while young quarterback Will Howard remains an unproven option at the NFL level.
With the team aiming to remain competitive in the National Football League, the lack of a clear, reliable starting quarterback has become a growing concern, prompting analysts to suggest veteran alternatives to stabilize the position.
That is why Carr could emerge as a sensible option if the Steelers are looking for a reliable veteran presence in their quarterback room. Despite stepping away from the game, Carr’s experience and production over more than a decade in the NFL show he remains one of the more accomplished passers of his era and a player capable of stabilizing an offense.
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Across 11 NFL seasons, Carr built an impressive résumé, throwing for 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions while earning four Pro Bowl selections during his career. The veteran quarterback also started 169 games and spent most of his career as the face of the Las Vegas Raiders franchise before finishing his final seasons in New Orleans.
With that level of experience and production, Carr could provide exactly the kind of stability Pittsburgh currently lacks at the position. If the Steelers remain uncertain about their long-term plan for Rodgers, adding a proven veteran like Carr could help ensure they have a dependable, experienced option under center.
