The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a new starting quarterback after the 2025 season, prompted by Aaron Rodgers’ recent announcement on The Pat McAfee Show that he will likely retire following the year. This early knowledge allows the Steelers to plan strategically for the quarterback position during upcoming offseason activities.
Although the Steelers have opened the past six seasons with six different starters at quarterback, Rodgers’ retirement gives the team a unique opportunity to evaluate potential replacements well before the 2026 NFL Draft and training camp.
Possibility of Trading for Colts Quarterbacks Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor has highlighted the chance that the Steelers’ future quarterback might already be playing within the AFC, specifically with the Indianapolis Colts. Two names gaining attention as potential targets are veteran Daniel Jones, who recently signed a one-year contract with Indianapolis, and Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ 2023 first-round pick facing a critical point in his career.
In her analysis, Pryor suggested the Steelers could pursue a trade option for either player. She noted that top-tier quarterbacks rarely enter free agency, making these two Colts quarterbacks intriguing prospects for Pittsburgh looking ahead.
They could also go another route. Top-tier quarterbacks don’t often hit free agency, and 2026 isn’t an exception. Former first-round pick Daniel Jones, who signed a one-year deal in Indianapolis, is the best available free agent of the 2026 class so far,
—Brooke Pryor, ESPN
She added,
Whoever comes in second could be available.
—Brooke Pryor, ESPN
This hints that if one Colts quarterback secures the starting role, the other could become accessible to the Steelers.
The Appeal of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones for the Steelers
Besides Pryor, ESPN analyst Kevin Clark recently suggested that Anthony Richardson represents a promising fit for Pittsburgh. Clark highlighted Richardson’s strong arm, mobility, and physicality as qualities that could align with the Steelers’ offensive needs in 2026.
Daniel Jones’ name also arose as a target before he signed with Indianapolis, creating a situation where both quarterbacks are competing for starting duties in the AFC. While both have demonstrated talent and flashes of strong play, injuries and inconsistent performances have held them back from becoming elite signal-callers to date.
Steelers’ Persistent Quarterback Challenges and Roster Preparations
Over the last five years, the Steelers have struggled to find quarterback stability, cycling through Ben Roethlisberger, Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, and Aaron Rodgers to open seasons. This continual turnover has presented challenges for the franchise’s offensive consistency.
Looking forward to 2026, the Steelers are in a stronger position thanks to a wealth of draft capital. This could enable a more aggressive approach to selecting a franchise quarterback, allowing Pittsburgh to aim higher in the draft rather than settling for low-cost, stopgap options.
Currently, Mason Rudolph remains on the roster, entering the final year of a two-year deal, while rookie Will Howard is expected to serve as the third-string quarterback this season. Both will develop under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, offering internal options to nurture over the coming seasons.
Monitoring the Colts’ Quarterback Competition for Future Steelers Targets
With the Steelers’ quarterback future still uncertain, what unfolds in Indianapolis this summer will be important to watch. The competition between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson for the Colts’ starting job may determine which player becomes available or desirable to Pittsburgh as they look toward the 2026 season.
This situation offers the Steelers a chance to evaluate potential franchise quarterbacks beyond the draft process and proactively build their roster with a player who fits into their long-term vision.