Jets could impact Steelers future post-Aaron Rodgers by making one simple move

The Pittsburgh Steelers can weirdly be impacted by the New York Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it'd be a bit funny after some of the comments that Aaron Rodgers has made over the past year about New York. 

Much of Pittsburgh’s decisions on Rodgers and whether the multi-time MVP decides to continue playing. If you decide to hang them up, the Steelers could go after somebody like Ty Simpson. However, if the Jets want to go in that direction, it's possible they get to him first. 

Regardless, according to Ethen Hutton, the Steelers could look at Simpson as short-term insurance and a long-term option.

“For the second consecutive offseason, the immediate future of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback job will be determined by the decision of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. The team is optimistic Rodgers will return for the 2026 season, but could still look to add another young quarterback prospect behind the veteran signal-caller. Pittsburgh’s front office has worked to rework their offense this offseason, adding the likes of Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle to bolster the unit. 

"Similarly to Arizona, I could see Simpson sitting for his rookie season, should Rodgers elect to return. But if the four-time MVP calls it a career, Simpson could very well take the field as the starter for opening week, where he could offer immediate fantasy upside. I don’t expect his range to improve much in Pittsburgh, compared to his projections with the Jets, but he certainly has the tools to develop under Mike McCarthy.”

As weird as it might sound to some, I actually like the Steelers taking a quarterback in the first round if Rodgers returns more than I would if they went in a different direction under center. If Rodgers decides to come back, somebody like Simpson could benefit from learning with him for a season.

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