The Pittsburgh Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs earlier this week, and it appears increasingly likely that 42-year-old veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not return as the teamâs starter, with retirement a strong consideration after 21 seasons in the NFL.
Looking ahead to the 2026 offseason, the Steelers are expected to search for a new starting quarterback. One name already generating buzz is Malik Willis, who impressed while stepping in for the injured Jordan Love with the Green Bay Packers during the regular season.
The 2026 free-agent quarterback class isnât very deep. Beyond Willis, notable names include Daniel Jones, who is expected to return to Indianapolis, and Aaron Rodgers, who will likely retire. That makes Willis one of the most intriguing potential acquisitions if the Steelers decide not to trade for or draft a quarterback.
“The Steelers could turn to a free agent class that has a few enticing names. Most notably is Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis. His play while stepping in for the injured Jordan Love may earn him a bloated contract in free agency, but the Steelers might not have a better option,” wrote Jacob Punturi of Sports Illustrated.
GettyQB Malik Willis.
More on Willis
After an impressive collegiate career at Liberty University, Malik Willis was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Although he struggled to find success in Tennessee, he has shown flashes of potential when given opportunities as the Green Bay Packersâ backup in 2024 and 2025.
At just 26 years old, Willis could be a calculated risk worth taking in free agency.
âMalik Willisâ run with the Tennessee Titans was a major disappointment. However, after two years as a backup for the Green Bay Packers, he has rebuilt his reputation and created real buzz ahead of a jump into NFL free agency this springâespecially after throwing for nearly 300 yards and completing 18 of 21 passes in a late-season loss to the Baltimore Ravens,â wrote Jason Burgos of Yahoo Sports.
Willis may not be the most high-profile name available to the Steelers, but at 26, with upside potential and a more affordable price tag than other options, Pittsburgh might view signing him as a risk worth taking.
GettyWillis scores a touchdown against the Ravens in the 2025 regular season.
Why the Steelers Might Not Draft a QB of the Future
It could be argued that Pittsburgh might use their 21st overall selection in the 2026 draft to select a quarterback of the future.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, the 2026 quarterback class is not deep, and it just got thinner. Oregonâs Dante Moore, one of the top prospects projected for the draft, has decided to return to college football, further depleting an already shallow pool of quarterbacks.
With obvious holes at positions like wide receiver, the Steelers may instead opt to address a more pressing need in the draft rather than selecting a quarterback.
If the Steelers believe they have bigger priorities in the draft than selecting a quarterback, Willis could become a strong candidate for the Black and Gold in free agency.
GettyWillis is set to be a free agent in 2026.
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