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San Francisco 49ers QBs Brock Purdy and Mac Jones
Just over a month away from the NFL Draft, there are plenty of questions surrounding the NFL’s quarterback carousel that still need to be answered. For example, who will be the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026? While the obvious answer could be future first-ballot Hall of Fame signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, who has spoken to the Steelers, a new deal has yet to be reached.
There are some, like Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, who believe the Steelers could have a backup plan in place if Rodgers decides not to return to the Steelers. In fact, he believes veteran 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones could be an option for Pittsburgh via trade.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Have Plenty of Draft Capital for a Trade
GettyMac Jones played in eight games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2025.
Here is what Gagnon specifically wrote about Jones being a potential trade option for the Steelers, especially if Rodgers decides to retire:
“If (Rodgers) surprisingly retires – or if the organization simply can’t work out a deal with him – a team that probably doesn’t want to go back to Russell Wilson might try to make the 49ers an offer they can’t refuse for Jones…”
The Steelers rode the Russell Wilson train in 2024 and ended up going 6-5 in games that he started. This team isn’t looking to stay in the realm of mediocrity. That is why they went out and got Rodgers before last season.
If the four-time MVP decides not to return, Pittsburgh does have six draft picks inside the first four rounds of the NFL Draft. They could send one or multiple picks to the 49ers for Jones. Remember, he went 5-3 as the Niners’ starter and posted a passer rating of 97.4 in 2025.
Aaron Rodgers Remains the Steelers’ Best Option
GettyAaron Rodgers will turn 43 years of age this December.
While Steelers fans and the national media may not love it, Rodgers is taking his time before ultimately making a decision on his future. He certainly does not need to come back or prove anything more. His career as arguably the greatest quarterback of all time speaks for itself.
But if he decides to return, he will likely give the Steelers the best chance to win out of any other quarterback on the free-agent market. Not only does he have familiarity with the city and organization, but he also has familiarity with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy. As head coach and starting quarterback with the Green Bay Packers for 11 seasons (2008-2018), the duo guided the Packers to eight playoff appearances, five NFC North titles, and a Super Bowl title.
Rodgers, who won the first two MVPs of his storied career under McCarthy’s leadership (2011, 2014), put together an above-average 2025 performance despite battling a fractured wrist during the second half of the season. He recorded 25 total touchdowns and just seven interceptions while posting a modest passer rating of 94.8. His familiarity with his Steelers teammates, combined with his history with Mike McCarthy, makes him the best starting option for the Steelers in 2026.
Tim Lindsey A Chicago-area native, Tim Lindsey has covered the world of sports through a variety of different lenses. More specifically, he has been an NFL writer for sites such as Sports Illustrated and PFSN. Notable teams like the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers have been a major point of emphasis for the longtime writer in the past. More about Tim Lindsey
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