As the Pittsburgh Steelers await Aaron Rodgers' decision on a 2026 return—following his 2025 division title win—insiders are divided on using early NFL draft picks on a quarterback. While some eye mid-round prospects like Drew Allar or Carson Beck, Ben Roethlisberger warns against top selections, predicting fan backlash.
The Steelers, cautiously optimistic per ESPN's Adam Schefter about Rodgers rejoining after regular talks with coach Mike McCarthy, expect owner Art Rooney II to get an answer before next month's draft. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo notes the team is comfortable with current options like Will Howard and Mason Rudolph while planning long-term QB development, highlighting third-round fits Allar (similar build to Roethlisberger) and Carson Beck. However, ex-Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger strongly opposes early picks on his Footbahlin podcast, calling a second-rounder a 'huge mistake' and foreseeing boos for a first-rounder like Ty Simpson: 'Pittsburgh would boo… Because of the pick, what are we doing?' NFL insider Albert Breer agrees, citing the veteran-laden roster with T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and new additions Jamel Dean and Michael Pittman Jr.: 'I just don’t see that as a team that is built to go with a young quarterback right now,' he said on the MMQB NFL Podcast. Former Steeler James Harrison also dismissed the draft class, betting against finding a franchise QB with early picks like Simpson.
