The Steelers are basically in a holding pattern right now, and it’s getting a little tense. Everyone is waiting to see what Aaron Rodgers decides to do. Amidst the uncertainty, the front office is beginning to look at a “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” plan. They can’t afford to get caught without a starter if Rodgers walks away or retires. Hence, they are looking for veteran backups, and for them, one name surfacing in coaching circles seems more promising than ever. 

“The Steelers could go after Kirk Cousins or Jimmy Garoppolo, but a reunion with Rodgers seems inevitable.” ESPN’s Bill Barnwell provided a blunt assessment of the team’s current predicament.

After two years in Atlanta, Kirk Cousins is officially hitting the open market. The Atlanta Falcons decided to move on from the veteran quarterback, cutting ties despite the massive $180 million investment they made to bring him in as their franchise leader.

Following his 2025 campaign, which didn’t exactly go as the team expected, Cousins recorded 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. However, for a team like the Steelers, Cousins offers a proven bridge while they search for a long-term solution under center.

Adding more intrigue to the situation, another veteran option reportedly on the radar is Jimmy Garoppolo. The QB re-signed with the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year deal and was a backup to franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

Though more emphasis is on Kirk, chances remain that Rodgers might make his return for another season. 

Both Cousins and Garoppolo bring plenty of experience and could serve as the “win-now” veterans the team traditionally favors. Whether they choose to go on with one of these new faces or wait for the future Hall of Famer to commit for yet another season, the next few weeks will define the direction of the franchise for the 2026 season.

Is Aaron Rodgers doing the same thing as Brett Favre in Green Bay?

HoFer and Steelers legend Rod Woodson recently voiced his frustration on The Rich Eisen Show, comparing Aaron Rodgers to Brett Favre. He pointed at a similar pattern in Green Bay quarterbacks.  

“What is it with these ex-Green Bay Packer quarterbacks that they have to be talked about all the time?” Woodson said, “Because Brett Favre was that way for years.”

The former Steelers players, having played 10 seasons in Pittsburgh, also urged head coach Mike McCarthy to stop waiting for Rodgers.

“Is he going to play? Listen, I get kind of tired of it. Like, if he’s going to play, say he’s going to play. The team shouldn’t wait for Aaron Rodgers. They need to move forward.”

Woodson specifically pointed out that the Steelers may have missed their chance to draft a future star like Jaxson Dart because they were waiting on a veteran.

“Last year, Rich, they should have took Jackson Dart,” emphasizing that they lost a QB who was an exact fit for the team’s culture.

“He fell to him. It was the best opportunity for them to take a quarterback who has that swag that can kind of fit into that Steeler mold and that Steeler culture and have that standard. And they took the defensive end or defensive tackle, excuse me. And they didn’t. So now, what are they looking for? They’re looking for the quarterback of the future still.”

But Aaron Rodgers’ current situation in Pittsburgh is starting to feel like a classic case of déjà vu. Many fans and analysts are drawing direct parallels between Rodgers’ holding pattern with the Steelers and the famous 2008 saga involving Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers.

Back in 2008, Brett Favre was coming off an incredible season, yet he chose to retire in March. However, he quickly had second thoughts. The Packers wanted to move forward with their first-round pick, Aaron Rodgers, and asked Favre for a firm decision early on.

Favre stayed silent for months, eventually asking for an unconditional release in the later months of July of that year.

When the Packers refused, they officially named Rodgers the starter. To try and end the drama, the team even offered Favre a $20 million marketing deal just to stay retired. Favre refused, showed up to training camp anyway, and was eventually traded to the New York Jets.

Now, Rodgers is in the grey area. After signing a one-year deal with the Steelers last season, many expected him to retire, especially after Mike Tomlin stepped down. However, Rodgers played well enough to keep the door open, leading the team to an AFC North title.

Despite the buzz, Rodgers has not committed to the 2026 season yet. Word is that Rodgers plans to inform the Steelers of his final decision by the end of this month, giving the team enough time to pivot before the Draft.