New QB? Steelers Eye Malik Willis if Rodgers Steps Down

The Pittsburgh Steelers are already looking ahead, wondering who could step into the quarterback role if Aaron Rodgers decides to hang up his cleats. General manager Omar Khan has hinted that the team would welcome Rodgers back for 2026, yet the veteran’s own comments in a recent interview left fans guessing about his future.

Malik Willis: A Promising But Uncertain Candidate

• Age & Background – 26‑year‑old Malik Willis has shown flashes of brilliance with the Green Bay Packers.
• 2025 Performance – In his sole start, he threw over 85 % of his passes and added rushing touchdowns.
• Recent Showings – Completed 18 of 21 passes, averaging nearly 14 yards per attempt—an impressive stat that suggests he can deliver under pressure.
• Record – 3‑3 overall as a starter, indicating limited experience but steady growth.

Financial Implications

• Projected Deal – A two‑year contract around $46 million, comparable to Justin Fields’ recent deal.
• Risk vs Reward – Pittsburgh traditionally prefers seasoned veterans; investing in Willis would be bold but potentially rewarding if his trajectory continues upward.

Rodgers’ Ambiguous Position

• Current Status – He says he keeps training but has not received a contract offer.
• Impact on Free Agency – If Rodgers retires, the Steelers must act swiftly to secure a quarterback before other teams swoop in.

Bottom Line

The Steelers are weighing a bold move against the uncertainty of Rodgers’ future and the limited data on Willis’s performance. Whether they will gamble on an unproven quarterback remains to be seen, but the possibility is already sparking conversations among fans and analysts alike.