The Pittsburgh Steelers face another quarterback quandary as they head to the NFL combine, with Aaron Rodgers' future hanging over the organization. Coach Mike McCarthy, Rodgers' former Green Bay colleague, has expressed interest in bringing back the 42-year-old quarterback if he's willing to return for the 2026 season.

Rodgers, who threw for 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season while completing 65.7% of his passes, isn't a long-term solution but could serve as another bridge quarterback. The Steelers have struggled to find stability since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, and their alternatives are limited. Mason Rudolph has been a reliable backup but lacks franchise-quarterback potential, while rookie Will Howard missed crucial development time due to injury.

If Rodgers declines to return, the Steelers must explore other options. The 2026 quarterback draft class is notably thin, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza being the only prospect with a first-round grade. ESPN analyst Field Yates projects Alabama's Ty Simpson as a potential pick at No. 21, though his decision-making concerns late in the season raise questions. The Steelers have been down this road before, selecting Kenny Pickett in 2022 from a similarly weak class. Without a first-round quarterback, Pittsburgh could address other needs like offensive line depth, having invested in tackles the past three drafts.