Steelers Insider Sounds Off on QB Problems amid Rumors on Aaron Rodgers' NFL Future

Some people connected to the Pittsburgh Steelers are expressing doubt as to the organization's ability to bounce back from a ninth straight season without a playoff win, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor and Jeremy Fowler.

One source told Pryor and Fowler the Steelers "haven't had [a quarterback] in five years."

Pryor and Fowler also quoted a source as saying: "There are some promising young offensive linemen and a few pieces on offense but not enough."

The Steelers are heading into the 2026 season without a head coach, following Mike Tomlin's decision to step down after 19 seasons, and potentially without a quarterback given that Aaron Rodgers is currently a pending UFA.

Rodgers, who signed in Pittsburgh ahead of the 2025 season, is the sixth quarterback the Steelers have started since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 campaign.

Like Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, he was ultimately unable to lead the Steelers to a playoff win.

Steelers president Art Rooney II said Wednesday that Rodgers had come to Pittsburgh to play for Tomlin, and that he expected Tomlin's departure to "most likely affect his decision" as to whether to return.

The Steelers could also be looking to replace offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who is interviewing for head coaching jobs.

The potential exits of Smith and Rodgers could mean the Steelers' next head coach will be tasked shaping a new offensive identity around whichever signal caller the team brings in for 2026.

The Steelers will meanwhile look to address multiple areas of need, potentially including at offensive line and wide receiver, in the 2026 NFL draft. Pittsburgh is currently slated to pick 12 times in the upcoming draft, starting with the No. 21 pick, per Tankathon.