When the Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 season, it was an attempt to finally bring stability to the quarterback room. Another one-and-done postseason exit was disappointing for the black and gold, but is there a better option than Rodgers in 2026?
Damien Woody Backs Aaron Rodgers Return as Steelers Weigh QB Future
Ever since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger in January of 2022, the quarterback position group has been in a state of flux. Names like Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Justin Fields are among the slew of passers that the Steelers wanted to be the next guy.
While Rodgers didn’t end the Steelers’ postseason losing streak, there is no doubting he brought a veteran presence to a position that has been missing for years. Former NFL guard and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody said on Wednesday’s “First Take” that he sees Rodgers as the best option among a mix of mediocre choices ahead of the 2026 campaign.
“I don’t think it would be a mistake, I just don’t know the type of effect that Aaron Rodgers would have as far as winning,” Woody said on Wednesday’s show.
“Aaron Rodgers might be your best option right now. … If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to contend, who else are they going to turn to?”@damienwoody on if the Steelers should bring back Aaron Rodgers for another season 🏈 pic.twitter.com/gmucMFec8j
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 25, 2026
“Remember, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said that they don’t rebuild,” Woody continued, “The expectation is for us to contend and compete every year. So, if that’s going to be the case then, with the limited options that are out there for a veteran free agent quarterback, Aaron Rodgers might be your best option right now.”
Woody added to his take, saying that while the Steelers would most likely look to the 2026 NFL Draft for a quarterback, but then doubled down on Rodgers being the best option for the Steelers.
“If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to contend, who else are they gonna turn to besides Aaron Rodgers right now. So, I think of all the available options, this would probably be the best one for them.”
The 2025 saga of silence and frustration that led to Rodgers’ eventual signing cannot happen for the Steelers this time around. Steelers GM Omar Khan said on the first day of the 2026 NFL Combine that he has been in contact with Rodgers and doesn’t expect this situation to drag out as 2025 did.
What a GM says and what actually happens can be two wildly different things, especially the closer it gets to the 2026 NFL Draft itself. If Rodgers really is the best move for both himself and the Steelers, it needs to be much sooner rather than later.
Otherwise, Pittsburgh would have wasted even more valuable time that could be spent finding another capable passer, and they do not want a redo of 2025.
