The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season came to an end on Monday night when they were eliminated by the Houston Texans 30-6 in the wild-card playoffs.
Going into the game, it was already believed that this might be the last game of Aaron Rodgers’ illustrious career. After passing for just 146 yards and one interception, posting a 50.8 passer rating and being sacked four times, the 42-year-old appears to be entering his retirement documents soon.
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His exit means the Steelers will have a new starting quarterback for the fourth straight year. Assuming Rodgers retires, there are a number of different ways the team can address this huge hole. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five young and veteran players Pittsburgh could replace the NFL legend this offseason.
NFL free agent option: Malik Willis
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Malik Willis has been a huge disappointment with the Tennessee Titans. However, after two years as a backup with the Green Bay Packers, he has rebuilt his reputation and attracted real attention before hitting NFL free agency this spring. Especially in the season-ending loss to the Baltimore Ravens, he threw for nearly 300 yards and caught 18 of 21 passes.
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Is he the sexiest option? No. But he’s only 26 years old, and some believe he could be a first-round pick in 2022. Additionally, he’s a high-upside option who’s very affordable in the offseason.
NFL free agent options: Kyler Murray
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It appears Kyler Murray’s era in Arizona will be over in the coming months after four injury-plagued seasons, including playing in just five games in 2025. Since the Cardinals may have trouble finding a trade partner for his contract, there’s a good chance they’ll just cut him and move on.
Regardless of whether they select a quarterback with the 21st overall pick, they should jump at the chance to sign the two-time Pro Bowler if he becomes a free agent. He’s still only 28, and a change of scenery and scheme could get him back to that player. It’s a risk, but one worth it if his asking price isn’t ridiculous.
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NFL Draft Pick: Ty Simpson
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The Steelers could use their No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on a quarterback. Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore are considered the top two quarterbacks in April. But both men will be eliminated before 21 o’clock starts in Pittsburgh. There may be one option then, though, and that’s Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
While some tough games late in the season hurt his draft value, he’s a very smart pocket passer with a lot of potential that he wasn’t even close to at that point in the first round.
NFL Draft Options: Trade TJ Watt for No. 2 pick in NFL Draft, select Dante Moore
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The Steelers need to find a long-term answer at quarterback. Relying on a team built on defense and a quarterback rotation for three straight seasons hasn’t produced the results fans want. That’s why a bold move away from this strategy is needed.
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They may hope to land Dante Moore with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. But it won’t be easy for the New York Jets to pass up this option, so Pittsburgh needs to give up one of its top stars. TJ Watt is the kind of elite talent that would make Green consider doing this.
The idea is scary, but Pittsburgh will have to take some drastic steps if it wants to land a franchise quarterback and end Monday’s nine-year postseason winning slump.
NFL free agent options: Kirk Cousins
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If the Steelers’ front office wants to maintain the status quo or have a veteran signal-caller coach the quarterback they draft at age 21, another short-term graybeard option would be Kirk Cousins. All signs pointed to the Atlanta Falcons cutting the four-time Pro Bowler, who never returned to elite form after suffering an Achilles injury.
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If Cousins knew he would start in Week 1, he might be willing to accept a team-friendly one-year deal. Although he looked tired, he did provide hope for a late-season start.
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