Steelers predicted to abandon Will Howard, draft 70-TD QB to replace Aaron Rodgers in 2026

When it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers' future at the quarterback position, things remain murky, even after the 2025 NFL draft.

The expectation is that Aaron Rodgers is going to sign with the Steelers, but he'll likely only be a one-year solution as he prepares to turn 42. Meanwhile, the Steelers did draft a quarterback in Will Howard, but he was a sixth-round selection and is no lock to become the future for Pittsburgh.

With all that in mind, it's not crazy to think the Steelers will be in the quarterback market again in 2026 — and a recent mock draft predicts the team will be.

USA TODAY's Nick Brinkerhoff put together a 2026 NFL mock draft, but the picks were made by AI. The Steelers landed at No. 16 in the mock and took Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik in that spot.

"We can only hope that Aaron Rodgers makes his decision by this time next year, but Klubnik becomes the Steelers' quarterback of the future," Brinkerhoff said. "He made strides last season at Clemson, something that fans will hope continues this year. The Steelers get a dual-threat signal caller who can potentially add some stability to Pittsburgh's room."

Over the last three seasons at Clemson, the dual-threat signal-caller threw for 7,180 yards, rushed for 784 yards and scored 70 total touchdowns (57 passing).

His best season came in 2024, when Klubnik completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns to six picks. He also showed his impressive athleticism by breaking loose for 463 rushing yards and another seven scores.

Ahead of last season, The Draft Network had Klubnik as a mid-round selection when he comes out. However, his stock has improved since then and Klubnik can cement himself as a first-round pick with another strong showing in 2025.

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