The Pittsburgh Steelers may already have their quarterback of the present in Aaron Rodgers, but their long-term situation remains up in the air. Rodgers officially joined the Steelers this offseason, ending months of speculation. While his arrival brings short-term stability to a previously shaky QB room, it’s only a temporary fix.
Rodgers, expected to retire after the 2025 season, doesn’t solve the team’s future. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2021, Pittsburgh has struggled to find a true franchise quarterback. Although the 2026 NFL Draft could provide some promising talent, ESPN suggests another potential route.
According to ESPN analyst Kevin Clark, the Steelers might already have their future quarterback playing elsewhere in the league. Speaking on NFL Live, Clark stated,
“I’ve never seen anybody more destined to be in the 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback competition than Anthony Richardson.”
This bold prediction implies that the Indianapolis Colts may be ready to move on from Richardson, especially if Daniel Jones proves himself as a capable starter.
But there are clear complications. From the Colts’ side, Richardson is still just 23 years old, was a No. 4 overall pick, and remains on a very affordable rookie contract with multiple years left. Teams rarely give up on that kind of investment so early.
On the Steelers’ end, while Richardson is talented, he may not be the long-term answer they’re seeking. Ironically, the same concerns that would push the Colts to trade him are the reasons he may not offer lasting stability in Pittsburgh.
