Aaron Rodgers: The Incumbent (Free Agent)

The return of Aaron Rodgers was nearly thrown out the window when Mike Tomlin left the organization, but the subsequent hiring of former Packers HC Mike McCarthy makes things interesting. While it remains to be seen if the 42 year-old is willing to reunite with his former coach, he would likely be welcomed back in Pittsburgh- this year’s free agent market and draft class are sparse in terms of starting-caliber arms.

Will Howard: The Flier (On The Roster)

The Steelers picked up Howard late in last year’s draft as a flier for the potential quarterback of the future. An extended stint on the injured reserve denied the team a closer look, but Howard remains an intriguing and inexpensive option, having been in the building for a full season. While his true potential remains unknown, his time at Ohio State proved that he could produce in the right situation.

Mason Rudolph: The Steady Option (On The Roster)

Mason Rudolph won’t generate much excitement among the fanbase, but he’s proven that he can run the show after starting multiple games over the years in Pittsburgh. Rudolph’s best attribute is his consistency, which could be big for a turbulent franchise.

Marcus Mariota: The Post-Hype Backup (Free Agent)

Marcus Mariota hits free agency after a two year stint in Washington as the QB2 to young star Jayden Daniels. Given the latter’s elite play when healthy, Mariota will be forced to hit the road if he feels that he can still be a starting quarterback in the NFL. The 2014 Heisman trophy winner is widely respected as a team-first leader whose mentorship has proven invaluable to several young quarterbacks, Daniels included. On the field, Mariota doesn’t move the needle like he used to, but he can still move the ball around and process anything an opposing defense throws at him.

Malik Willis: The Up-And-Comer (Free Agent)

After Malik Willis balled out in relief of Jordan Love in Green Bay, he immediately became the premier quarterback on the market. Willis’ career started off rough after a halfhearted development attempt in Tennessee before being shipped off to Wisconsin to serve as a backup, but he’s clearly shown that he deserves another starting opportunity. The sample size isn’t huge, but Willis is one of the few candidates for the job in Pittsburgh with upside this high.

Sam Howell: The Question Mark (Free Agent)

There’s a few quiet advocates for Sam Howell left in league circles, coaches who saw the upside in his 4000-odd yard season in Washington and think that his turnover issues can be fixed by competent coaching. While it remains to be seen if McCarthy is one of them, Howell remains an inexpensive option on the board for Steelers execs.

Mac Jones: The Next Sam Darnold? (Trade)

Another seemingly discarded quarterback who showed QB1 potential is Mac Jones, who earned national commendation for his poise on the field after Brock Purdy missed time this year. The former Pro Bowler didn’t pan out in New England, but he could do well in Pittsburgh if San Francisco isn’t asking too much for him.

Kyler Murray: The Change of Scenery Guy (Trade)

Arizona is in a tailspin, and a change at quarterback is likely as Kyler Murray hasn’t been able to bring the Cardinals any sort of success since his arrival in 2019. Murray is still capable of being a star in the right situation, but the price tag might be too much for the Steelers right now.

Joe Milton: The Cannon (Trade)

I have a soft spot for quarterbacks with bazooka arms that don’t have the accuracy to match. Joe Milton has long been a favorite of mine, and the thought of his arm talent connecting with DK Metcalf is a dream.

Ty Simpson: The No. 2 Overall QB (Draft)

Widely considered QB2 in the 2026 Draft class, Ty Simpson put some good things on tape in his lone season as Alabama’s starting QB. His accuracy is his biggest attribute, but his struggles late in the season under the bright lights show that he still needs some refinement in order to have a successful career in the pros. Simpson’s draft position will likely be determined by other QB-needy teams such as the Jets, Cardinals and Dolphins.

Trinidad Chambliss: The Young Talent (Draft)

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about how much I like Trinidad Chambliss, and it won’t be the last. As far as I’m concerned, Chambliss is the best non-Mendoza QB in this draft class and he’s probably the biggest "splash" addition Pittsburgh could make this offseason.

Cole Payton: The Unknown (Draft)

A NDSU product with eye-popping physical traits and concerningly little game experience? We’ve played this game before. The league isn’t likely to draft Cole Payton as early as they did Trey Lance, but he still deserves a look. An elite athlete with an arm featuring both precision and power, Payton has the potential to be a late-round gem if he’s developed correctly.