Five Quarterbacks Steelers Could Look to Target This Offseason
Before the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first round playoff loss to the Houston Texans on Monday night, a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was that the Steelers would be open to having Aaron Rodgers return. But based on Mike Tomlin stepping down from the organization on Tuesday, the chances of Rodgers coming back to Pittsburgh would appear to be slim to none.
The current QB depth chart has Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Given the strong, unlikelihood of Rodgers returning, here are five quarterbacks the Steelers could pursue in the offseason.
Geno Smith
The 2025 Las Vegas Raiders finished tied for the worst record in the league. Geno Smith’s first season in Las Vegas didn’t go as well as planned; throwing for 3,025 yards, along with a 19-17 TD/INT, and a passer rating of 84.7.
Smith will be owed $26.5 million in 2026. The Raiders would most likely have to take on a large portion of that money, in order to facilitate a trade.
Before arriving to Las Vegas, Smith had put up a 95.4 passer rating as a full-time starter with the Seattle Seahawks from 2022-2024.
If Smith were traded to Pittsburgh as a short-term option, he would reunite with DK Metcalf.
JJ McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings selected JJ McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
McCarthy missed his entire rookie season, as he suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee. This led to Sam Darnold having a career year in Minnesota.
After Darnold chose to sign with the Seahawks last offseason, McCarthy was named the Vikings starter heading into the 2025 season.
The numbers for McCarthy were subpar, with 1,632 yards passing, more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11), and a 72.6 passer rating.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Vikings would look to improve the QB position, and make McCarthy expendable.
Assuming the Steelers don’t feel any quarterback is worthy of a first round pick this year, perhaps they go outside the box and make a deal for McCarthy. He’ll only be 23, and has two years remaining on his rookie contract. If offensive-minded coaches are brought in, they could try to tap into his full potential.
Joe Flacco
AARP jokes aside, the Steelers could be a realistic destination for Joe Flacco in 2026.
The ageless wonder wore the jerseys of two division rivals this season - the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.
During the absence of Joe Burrow, Flacco was a productive backup, as he had a 13-4 TD/INT, while registering a passer rating of 91.0 in nine games (six starts).
Spotrac projects Flacco to earn around $5.6 million next season.
If the Steelers do take a QB in the first round, or they still think highly of Will Howard, then Flacco becomes an ideal one-year stopgap option, who would complete the AFC North tour.
Mac Jones
It’s been an interesting trajectory in Mac Jones’ young NFL career.
Jones made it to the Pro Bowl as a rookie with the New England Patriots in 2021. However, his next two seasons in Foxboro left plenty to be desired for the former first rounder.
The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Jones to be Trevor Lawrence’s backup in 2024.
Last offseason, Jones inked a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers for $7 million.
Filling in for an injured Brock Purdy, the 27-year-old Jones played exceptionally well; throwing for 2,151 yards, along with a 13-6 TD/INT. In addition, he posted career bests in completion percentage (69.6%) and passer rating (97.4).
Jones is set to earn roughly over $4.2 million in ‘26. The Steelers could look to trade for Jones either as a one-year solution, or someone they could look to re-sign beyond next season.
Malik Willis
After falling to the third round of the 2022 draft, many perceived Malik Willis as a project with the Tennessee Titans.
Willis never really got to the opportunity to showcase his talents with the Titans, with the organization seemingly putting all of their eggs in the Will Levis basket.
Despite being in a QB2 role behind Jordan Love in Green Bay, Willis has made the most of his chances; showing a more polished and mature approach.
Now that Willis is entering the prime of his career, he will look to take advantage of a weak free agent QB class. Several teams should inquire on Willis this offseason, with the Steelers being no exception.
In terms of contract, it’s possible Willis receives a deal very comparable to what Justin Fields got from the New York Jets last offseason - at two years, $40 million.