Steelers Reportedly 'Diligently Scouting' QBs in 2026 Draft amid Aaron Rodgers Rumors

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback of the future might come from the 2026 NFL draft.

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo reported Friday that the Steelers have "been diligently scouting and evaluating all of the quarterbacks in this year's draft."

The report comes after the Steelers stood pat at the Nov. 4 trade deadline in a potential indication of the value the franchise is placing on its stockpile of 2026 picks.

Whether Aaron Rodgers decides to return for a 21st NFL season in 2026 "shouldn't alter their approach" to the draft, DeFabo noted.

If Rodgers returns, DeFabo noted could potentially monitor an incoming 2026 rookie similar to the role he took with Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported in October that some sources around the NFL had "insisted with me that if this keeps up, it won't be Rodgers' last season."

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported shortly afterward that "the Steelers would love to have [Rodgers] back next season."

Rodgers has so far led the Steelers to a 5-3 record by completing 68.7 percent of his passes for 1,692 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions.

But with Rodgers set to turn 42 in December and his contract scheduled to expire after the 2025 season, the Steelers will need to start planning ahead as to who the team will have under center in 2026 and beyond.

The Steelers' 2026 draft stock currently includes five picks in the top 100, per Tankathon, thanks to one first-round selection, one second-round pick, and three third-rounders, including an estimated compensation pick.

The 2026 NFL Draft Big Board by Bleacher Report NFL scouts features 11 quarterbacks ranked among the top 100 prospects in the upcoming draft.

That includes Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Oregon's Dante Moore, Alabama's Ty Simpson, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Arkansas' Taylen Green, Miami's Carson Beck, Texas' Arch Manning, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss and Penn State's Drew Allar.

The 2026 draft might not end up including all of those signal callers if players with remaining eligibility like Manning decide to return for another college season.

The Steelers may be keeping an eye on which of these players do ultimately enter the draft, however, in case the franchise ultimately decides to add a signal caller next April.