If Rodgers Walks, Steelers' Plan B

Tom Pelissero joins Rich to walk through the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation, and the reporting lands where most Steelers watchers probably already suspected. Aaron Rodgers is the most likely 2026 starter. He just hasn't said so.

Rich asks whether Kirk Cousins was ever actually on Pittsburgh's radar. Pelissero says yes, same as last year. The Steelers checked on Cousins' availability both times while waiting on Rodgers, which last year didn't resolve until June. Atlanta didn't make Cousins available, but Pittsburgh had interest. This cycle, if Rodgers had declined, Cousins was again a possible pivot.

The veteran quarterback market is thin. Russell Wilson was a road Pittsburgh already walked. Jimmy Garoppolo, if he plays in 2026, Pelissero expects that to be a return to the Rams. Tyrod Taylor is still out there but not as a day-one starter at this stage of his career. That leaves Rodgers as the primary option, with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph as a fallback duo if the Steelers need to draft or sign another arm to fill the room.

Rodgers has not given Pittsburgh a firm answer. Mike McCarthy said at the AFC coaches breakfast that he talks to Rodgers every couple of days. Pelissero's read has been steady for two months. If he had to lean one way, he'd lean toward Rodgers being the Steelers quarterback in 2026. The question is when Rodgers actually commits, and whether Pittsburgh eventually decides to move on without him.

Pelissero flags the team-building cost of the delay. Those missed spring reps last year weren't helpful, especially when Rodgers later got frustrated with his young receivers and wished they'd put in more time in voluntary work. Knowing Rodgers was locked in would have simplified some free agency decisions this year too.

That said, Pittsburgh hasn't been idle. Pelissero runs the offseason moves. Rico Dowdle signed as a back Mike McCarthy likes. Michael Pittman came over in a trade. DK Metcalf is back. Rodgers, if he signs, would not be walking into an empty cupboard.

Art Rooney told reporters he hoped to know before the draft. The draft is three weeks away. Pelissero expects an answer sooner than later and continues to lean toward Rodgers playing. But he's careful. This is Aaron Rodgers. Only Rodgers knows.

Rodgers is in California working out and staying engaged with Steelers personnel, specifically his old Green Bay coach McCarthy. The signs point toward him playing. The paper doesn't exist yet.

Rich nods along. The waiting game is the story. The other dominoes around the league, Cousins going to another destination, Wilson off the Steelers' board, Jimmy G almost certainly back with the Rams, are all arranged. Pittsburgh has set up the roster for a veteran starter to walk in and run it. They just need the veteran to say yes.