Rodgers' return is likely, but if he departs, the Steelers might pursue 49ers backup Mac Jones for a potent, short-term solution.
It seems more likely that Aaron Rodgers will return for a second season as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback.
Rodgers enjoyed playing for the Steelers and led them to their first AFC North title since 2020 last season, despite being the NFL's oldest player at 42. Now that Mike McCarthy has been hired as Pittsburgh's coach, Rodgers’ chances of returning to Pittsburgh seem even better since the duo worked together for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers from 2006-18.
However, it is not a lock that Rodgers will play in 2026. He may have had enough of the wear and tear on his body that comes from playing professionally for 21 seasons.
So, what would the Steelers do if Rodgers retires or pulls an even bigger surprise by signing with another team as a free agent? Their options would be limited, as few starting quarterbacks are available in free agency or the draft.
One of the few possible solutions for Pittsburgh would be trading for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, who has one year remaining on the two-year contract he signed with San Francisco last offseason.
Jones had a good season for the 49ers after being cast off by the New England Patriots following three seasons, then struggling in one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones ended up starting eight games for the 49ers while Brock Purdy was sidelined by a foot injury, and San Francisco went 5-3 in those games. Jones completed 69.6% of his passes for 2,151 yards and 13 touchdowns with six interceptions.
Jones’ 97.4 passer rating was a career high. Jones’ marks were 92.5, 84.8, and 77.0 during his time with the Patriots, who drafted him in the first round in 2021. That number rose slightly to 80.5 during his stint with the Jaguars in 2024
Considering the scarcity of available quarterbacks, the 49ers would likely drive a hard bargain for Jones in a trade. He can become a free agent at the end of next season, so Jones could be a short-term solution for whatever team deals for him.
However, Jones is just 27 and could have many more solid seasons ahead of him. He might not be an elite quarterback, but he’s good enough to be the Steelers’ best option for 2026 if Rodgers does not return.
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