Who will replace Aaron Rodgers? Evaluating Steelers' QB options for 2027

Living in the moment has long been a way of life for the Pittsburgh Steelers . At a time when other franchises have peered down the road and evaluated the limits of their current competitive credentials, the Steelers have kept their gaze firmly affixed to the present. Even after Mike Tomlin resigned after his 19-year tenure as head coach, Pittsburgh refused to embrace a rebuild that would jeopardize the franchise's NFL-record streak of 22 consecutive non-losing seasons.

And with Aaron Rodgers returning , that focus is unlikely to wander. The 42-year-old quarterback's revelation that next season will be his final one only heightened the interest in what the Steelers have in store for this fall. But even though the decision was widely expected, it still underscored the looming uncertainty that faces the franchise at football's most important position.

For now, new coach Mike McCarthy is feeling good about what's in front of him. Beyond Rodgers, he has an established backup in Mason Rudolph as well as two developmental options in Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar. “We’ve definitely got four that we love, I can say that,” McCarthy said on Wednesday, May 20.

But will that affection grow once Rodgers rides off? Or might Pittsburgh be prompted to look elsewhere for a solution behind center? Here's a look at the Steelers' various options for a starting quarterback in 2027 and beyond: Will Howard As a sixth-round pick who missed all of the preseason as a rookie due to a pinky injury, Howard might seem like a non-factor in an open search for a post-Rodgers starter.