The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an up-and-down 2025 season thus far. At times, the team has looked like legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and other times not so much, especially during their Week 10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. As we arrive at the second half of the season, some questions begin to arise about the team’s plans for the future, specifically at the quarterback position. Aaron Rodgers has played well for the majority of the 2025 campaign, but who will be taking snaps for the Steelers in 2026 remains uncertain.
The Steelers’ decision at quarterback could be one of the most significant choices of the Mike Tomlin era. When Pittsburgh signed Rodgers this past offseason, the move was viewed as a short-term solution for a franchise that’s been searching for stability since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season. For the most part, Rodgers has delivered. His leadership, accuracy, and experience have provided a spark that’s helped the Steelers stay competitive in the AFC playoff race. Rodgers has hinted at the possibility of retirement in the past, and after a grueling season, the decision may finally come down to how his body feels when the year concludes.
At first glance, adding another experienced signal-caller might seem like a plausible option in 2026. After all, Tomlin has leaned toward veterans before, bringing in Rodgers and previously Russell Wilson. However, not everyone within the Steelers’ circle believes that approach is realistic this time around if Rodgers doesn’t come back. During his Wednesday chat for the
“No, that’s not happening,” Dulac wrote.
That brief but definitive answer seems to shut the door on the idea of another veteran replacement, leaving just a few realistic paths forward. If Rodgers retires, Pittsburgh’s 2026 quarterback could come from within the building or from the upcoming draft. The two in-house candidates would be Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
Rudolph, who re-signed with the team in the offseason after spending 2024 with the Tennessee Titans, has long served as a reliable backup and spot starter. His familiarity with the organization could make him a steady short-term option if the Steelers choose to avoid a drastic transition. However, at this stage of his career, Rudolph is unlikely to be viewed as a long-term solution.
Howard, on the other hand, represents more of a wild card. The rookie out of Ohio State has yet to take a snap for the black and gold, but his talent along with his success at the collegiate level makes him an interesting prospect. However, reports around the organization believe that the team doesn’t look at Howard as the franchise quarterback.
If neither Rudolph nor Howard is seen as the future, Pittsburgh could turn to the 2026 NFL Draft. At this point, it is unclear to see where the Steelers will be selecting, but the question then becomes will the Steelers have to trade-up in order to grab a talented quarterback. The Steelers have a large selection of draft picks at their disposal, and trading multiple picks to climb up and take a quarterback is definitely on the table.
Drafting a quarterback is one thing, but to throw that quarterback into the fire is another. If the Steelers do indeed draft a quarterback, they will then have to decide if they want that rookie to be under center in Week 1 of the 2026 season, or if they will potentially look to Rudolph or Howard to hold down the fort until that rookie is ready.
In a dramatic twist to New York’s baseball rivalry, Cody Bellinger has officially rejected a lucrative offer from the New York Mets, publicly declaring his loyalty to the New York Yankees in an emotional statement that immediately set the baseball world ablaze.
“I’m grateful for the Mets’ interest and their incredible offer,” Bellinger said on Wednesday. “But my heart belongs to the Yankees. The fans, the clubhouse, the energy of Yankee Stadium — it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I came here to win championships, and that mission isn’t finished yet.”
Bellinger, who posted a .272 average, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs in 2025, quickly became a fan favorite in the Bronx, praised for his consistency and leadership alongside Aaron Judge. His 5.1 WAR ranked second on the team and solidified his importance to the Yankees’ postseason push.
“Cody represents everything we want in a Yankee — commitment, class, and the will to win,” said Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner in a brief statement. “He’s not just a player, he’s part of our family.”
Bellinger’s decision has instantly reignited the rivalry between the Mets and Yankees, with fans across both sides of the city debating whether the outfielder’s choice was emotional or strategic. For Bellinger, however, the answer seems simple.
“Once you’ve worn the pinstripes,” he said with a smile, “there’s nothing else like it.”
As the Yankees prepare for the 2026 season, Bellinger’s declaration ensures one thing: the heart of New York baseball still beats loudest in the Bronx.