Steelers may suddenly have a new option at QB if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return, following potential unretirement of Pro Bowler
The Steelers have a backup option if Aaron Rodgers falls through.
News broke over the weekend that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers are not only open to running it back in 2026, but that Rodgers’ return is starting to generate some real traction, following the hiring of Mike McCarthy, James Campen, and many others.
However, if we know anything about Rodgers’ mindset, it’s that he tends to march to the beat of his own drum. So if Rodgers were to retire or even play elsewhere, you have to plan accordingly if you’re the Steelers. Giving Will Howard the keys to the car when this roster is still in win-now mode seems a bit risky, and Mason Rudolph is the only veteran signal caller the team has. Unless, of course, Rodgers doesn’t return and the Steelers lure a former Pro Bowler out of retirement.
Former Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr is considering a return to the NFL
The last time we saw Derek Carr, he was with the New Orleans Saints, struggling to complete passes and stay upright for a floundering team. If that sounds bad, it’s because it was.
However, you have to understand the context of the situation. To bring that to light, I spoke with Adam Holt of A to Z Sports New Orleans, who covered the entirety of Carr’s tenure with the Saints.
The truth about Derek Carr with the Saints
“The biggest aspect of Carr’s landing spot should be the offensive line. Carr struggled mightily in New Orleans when the OL unit was banged up or lacked talent at tackle. Accordingly, whoever makes the move for Carr has to be prepared for that reality. He’s a below-average mover in the pocket and often rushed himself into throwing the ball away when pressured early into a play. The escapability isn’t there, so whoever plans to start him must accommodate for that.”
“I would also say that this sort of move has risk for a team that doesn’t have a long-term quarterback plan because Carr is probably a more talented option than some of the other veterans on the free agent or trade market. While he’s limited in some areas, he could elevate a team in 2-3 games to where they pull off unexpected wins, hurting their draft stock. Overall, it will be interesting to see which teams throw their name in the hat for the QB under control of the Saints this offseason. Multiple squads did during this past season, so it’s fair to assume there will be a handful of suitors as the NFL preps for 2026 and beyond.” – Holt
Now, if the Steelers were to pursue Carr, this wouldn’t be a simple signing of his name on a contract. Because he retired with years left on his contract in New Orleans (similar to Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh), he will cost draft capital. But how much?
How much would Derek Carr cost in draft capital?
“The intrigue in trading for Carr is partially due to the expected price. It’s hard to imagine the compensation headed to the Saints in return for a quarterback who will never play for them again will be anything more than a Day 3 pick or even a Day 3 pick swap. Carr provides a baseline of play that teams who need a bridge QB for 2026 may have interest in because he’s shown he can operate an offense with legitimate pieces around him.” – Holt
So look, I don’t think Carr should be on the Steelers’ radar right now. But if Rodgers falls through, given the unproven nature of free agents like Malik Willis and the lack of talent in the draft class, Carr could be a last resort option in Pittsburgh.
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