Steelers predicted to replace Aaron Rodgers with Heisman candidate to bridge Mike Tomlin era

Pittsburgh Steelers fans should soak in every bit of what’s left of Aaron Rodgers’ career. The 41-year-old quarterback is likely in his swan song season, wrapping up a 21-year run in the NFL that’s spanned the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and now the Steelers.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show on June 24. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had.”

That means Pittsburgh will almost certainly be in the market for a new quarterback after the season — and the 2026 NFL Draft appears to be the most likely path.

In his latest first-round mock draft, ESPN analyst Jordan Reid projected the Steelers to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 30 overall pick.

“It’s essential for the Steelers to find the heir apparent under center to soon-to-be 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, and I think Simpson has been the most impressive of the draft-eligible quarterbacks,” Reid wrote. “Despite the need, Pittsburgh waited until Round 6 to pick a QB this past April (Will Howard). It can’t wait that long again.”

Ty Simpson May Not Leave Alabama After 2025 Season

The one catch with Simpson potentially landing in Pittsburgh is his eligibility. As a redshirt junior, he could declare for the 2026 NFL Draft — or stay in Tuscaloosa another year.

“It’s not certain that Simpson will declare for the 2026 draft, but league evaluators have taken notice of his impressive stretches this season,” Reid noted. “He has thrown 16 touchdown passes and just one interception this season.”

Experience remains another concern. Despite being part of Alabama’s 2022 recruiting class, Simpson spent most of his first three seasons as a backup. Before this year, he hadn’t thrown for 200 yards or a touchdown in any of his 22 career appearances.

He’s made up for it in 2025, however, totaling 21 touchdowns combined through the air and on the ground while emerging as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner. Still, if his stock continues to rise, and the Steelers keep winning, the two may not get the chance pair up in the first round.

Aaron Rodgers Has Steelers Off to Hot Start

Even if the offense hasn’t looked spectacular — ranking 30th in total offense, 27th in passing, and 16th in scoring — Rodgers has done his part to lead the Steelers to a promising start. Pittsburgh sits at 4-1, atop the AFC North.

Rodgers has been the division’s constant amid chaos. The Ravens, Bengals and Browns have all dealt with uncertainty under center this season due to injuries — or in Cleveland’s case, inconsistency.

And speaking of old quarterbacks, Rodgers will square off against another 40-plus-year-old on Thursday Night Football, October 16, when the Steelers face Joe Flacco and the Bengals in Cincinnati.

“I think it’s great for all the old guys,” Rodgers told reporters. “When I watch other sports, maybe it’s because I’m the older guy, I tend to pull for the older guys to win championships.”

Another win would extend the Steelers’ lead in the division and keep them near the top of the AFC standings.

Broncos best option to start alongside Dre Greenlaw is painfully obvious

Dre Greenlaw finally back! Strnad should start alongside him at ILB.

The Denver Broncos announced that they have designated inside linebacker Dre Greenlaw to return from the Injured Reserve list, where he has been since Week 3 due to a quad injury. Broncos Country finally got the injury update they have been waiting for. One of their top free-agent acquisitions is closer to making his debut in orange and blue. Will it be on Sunday against the Giants? We do not know, but the good news is that he is back in practice and did not have any setbacks.

One of Denver's top priorities heading into the offseason was the inside linebacker position. They addressed it in free agency by signing former 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw to a 3-year, $34 million deal. Greenlaw is a force in the middle of the defense when healthy. In 64 games over six years with San Francisco, he recorded 455 tackles, 3 interceptions, 14 pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Greenlaw is an experienced linebacker who will bring a lot of energy to this young Broncos defense led by Vance Joseph. It's a significant upgrade when he's on the field compared to what the team has had recently.

Dre Greenlaw's return leads to a big and very important question...Who starts alongside him?

Broncos' best option to start alongside Dre Greenlaw is Justin Strnad

Greenlaw, when healthy, is a monster. He should be an instant starter at the inside linebacker position. Now the big question is who starts alongside him. My answer would be Cody Barton, but he left Denver in free agency and signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. This leads to veterans Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad (the actual starting tandem).

Singleton is an experienced veteran who is very liked inside Denver's locker room. He is a team captain and currently leads the Broncos in tackles with 51. The concern with Singleton is that he is getting older and is coming back from a Torn ACL suffered in Week 3 of the 2024-25 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Despite leading the team in tackles, Singleton looks slow, which makes sense following that injury, and has been burnt by opposing players, noting significantly Saquon Barkley's touchdown in week 5 on a wheel route. Singleton has missed lots of tackles.

On the other hand, there is Justin Strnad, who, believe it or not, has been one of the team's breakout players so far in the 2025-26 season. He currently has 3.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, and one pass breakup. He is a solid inside linebacker who, in the past, was a solid special teams player at best, and now, in my opinion, he is the one who should start alongside Dre Greenlaw. Strnad is a more dynamic and faster player compared to Singleton. I would not be surprised if Denver tries to trade Singleton, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Denver has Drew Sanders, who is currently injured, and also has Levelle Bailey and Karene Reid.

Sport