Steelers Should Be More Aggressive in QB Market amid Aaron Rodgers, NFL Free Agency Rumors

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who are typically quiet during the early stages of free agency, have been aggressive thus far. Pittsburgh added cornerback Jamel Dean, traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and brought in running back Rico Dowdle.

The unknown now is what Pittsburgh will do at the all-important quarterback position.

Running it back with 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers still feels like a strong possibility. While the Steelers have a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, he and Rodgers have a shared history with the Green Bay Packers. Both sides are open to a reunion, though Rodgers has stated that there isn't a deadline in place.

"I've talked to Mike, I've talked to (Steelers general manager) Omar (Khan). There's been no deadline that's been put in front of me," Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show (h/t NFL.com's Nick Shook). "There's no contract offer or anything."

Rodgers is highly unlikely to rush a decision, and the Steelers, for now, appear willing to be patient. However, that doesn't mean that they're completely ignoring quarterback alternatives.

On Monday, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported (h/t ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio) that the Steelers are "nosing around" the quarterback market, searching for a "contingency plan."

It's time for Pittsburgh to stop "nosing around" and get a little more aggressive when it comes to the quarterback market, too.

The quarterback carousel is already spinning rapidly. Malik Willis agreed to join the Miami Dolphins, while former Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa agreed to join the Atlanta Falcons on Monday.

B/R's Grades from the NFL's opening day of free agency can be found here.

The Arizona Cardinals also added Gardner Minshew, reportedly after talks with Jimmy Garoppolo broke down.

On Tuesday, the New York Jets traded for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith.

The list of quarterbacks who could serve as a viable bridge starter in 2026 is rapidly shrinking. Garoppolo, Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor, and Kirk Cousins are among the biggest remaining names.

The list of quarterbacks who might just give Pittsburgh a long-term starting option—Rodgers won't be that—is even shorter.

The Arizona Cardinals are expected to release 28-year-old former Pro Bowler Kyler Murray, though NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Murray's market should be "robust."

San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones is an intriguing trade target, though he wouldn't be available for cheap.

The quarterback pool is likely to drain quickly. The Jets may not be done adding signal-callers, the Indianapolis Colts may need a spot-starter with Daniel Jones returning from injury, the Minnesota Vikings are searching for a veteran, and the Cleveland Browns are always wild cards when it comes to quarterbacks.

Several more teams will be in the market for a high-end backup.

The Steelers should be more proactive in pursuing another quarterback, especially one who still might develop into a permanent starter. If that mean alienating Rodgers, who might take signing another veteran as a slight, so be it.

The Steelers are searching for their first playoff win since 2016, and with their new additions in tow, they might find it with competent quarterback play.

Pittsburgh would get that from Rodgers, sure, but it would probably also get it from a veteran like Flacco or Cousins, too. A quarterback like Murray or Jones might provide strong quarterback play and an option for the long-term.

If the Steelers wait for weeks for Rodgers to make a decision and he decides to retire, though, they could be stuck choosing between Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and/or a rookie from the underwhelming 2026 QB class.

If the Steelers are comfortable making Rudolph or Howard their Week 1 starter, that's one thing. If they're truly interested in finding a "contingency plan" on the quarterback market, taking the patient approach could be a massive mistake.