Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 OTAs: Top 3 storylines to watch now that Aaron Rodgers is officially back for the 2026 season
Aaron Rodgers is back in Pittsburgh. So now what? Here are the top three storylines ahead of 2026 Organized Team Activities in Pittsburgh.
For the first time in 2026, the newest version of the Pittsburgh Steelers will gather as one this week, working in the first of three weeks of organized team activities. The rookie class is set, the free agents have been working out, and now the starter at quarterback has been solidified following Aaron Rodgers’ return.
So what should we be on the lookout for when drills and pressers start this week? Here are three of the biggest storylines.
Aaron Rodgers Facts
- Played 13 seasons in Green Bay under head coach Mike McCarthy.
- Beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in his lone Super Bowl win.
- Re-signed with the Steelers earlier in the offseason compared to 2025.
How will Aaron Rodgers look?
So we know that Rodgers is back, and we know that he is receiving a substantial raise, jumping from a base salary of $13.65 million in 2025 to around $22-23 million in 2026. We also know that, unlike last year, Rodgers will be participating in OTAs. Remember, it was at mandatory minicamp when Rodgers first showed in 2025.
So the question is, how will he look? I don’t imagine we see any falloff in arm talent, and perhaps the time away has allowed him to regain some of his mobility. Either way, all eyes will be on Rodgers when he sets foot on the field again.
Who takes the majority of the quarterback No.2 reps?
We know that Rodgers will start, and that rookie third-rounder Drew Allar has his spot cemented. So the question becomes, will the Steelers roll the dice and bet on upside with Will Howard? Or do they stick to what they know with Mason Rudolph?
That is a question to which an answer probably doesn’t come for some time, but we will get our first look when things start on Monday.
Who will be the best rookie on the field?
Rookie minicamp was a little over a week ago, and that’s when we received our first exposure to the Steelers 2026 draft class. But now the rookies are with the veterans, and they are in more of a live environment. Who performs the best? Who leaves the vets on the team most impressed? Those are some of the takes and reactions that can lay bread crumbs for a big rookie campaign.
Honorable mention: Will anyone skip OTAs?
It’s not Steelers OTAs if someone doesn’t skip them, right? Past years have seen Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt skip as they look for a contract. Both of those deals have been taken care of, but now the young guys are up.
Joey Porter Jr., Nick Herbig, Darnell Washington, and Keeanu Benton are all eligible for extensions this offseason. I wouldn’t be surprised if one from that group skipped work until a new deal was in place.