Steelers predicted to replace Aaron Rodgers with exciting AFC quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers waited a long time this offseason to get Aaron Rodgers to sign his free agent contract.

But at 41 years old, Rodgers is only the short-term answer at quarterback.

In the longer view of things, the Steelers still need their next QB.

ESPN's Kevin Clark gave his take earlier this week on NFL Live. He predicts Anthony Richardson to be Pittsburgh's quarterback in 2026.

Richardson injured his throwing shoulder unexpectedly last week, and it's altered the QB competition in Indy with Daniel Jones.

Down the road, that's what could lead to Richardson's departure from the Colts and winding up in a place that needs a quarterback like Pittsburgh.

"You don't give Daniel Jones $14 million unless he's in a competition," Clark said. "That's just the way quarterback salaries work in this league. (Richardson's) thrown 348 passes in the NFL. In his first two years, that is the second-lowest of any top-10 pick in the last 20 years. Trey Lance is the only player with less pass attempts... Jake Locker had a few more than Anthony Richardson. That's the area, the pool that Anthony Richardson is in right now. So, he needs to play more football. I've never seen anybody more destined to be in the 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback competition than Anthony Richardson."

MORE: Steelers wanted $84 million QB instead of Rodgers

Richardson hasn't been good enough in his first two NFL seasons as a top-10 pick despite having a huge arm and great running ability.

Injuries and inefficiency have marred Richardson's physical gifts. He completed only 47.7 percent of his passes in 2024.

The Steelers almost certainly wouldn't give Richardson the 2026 job outright, but he's still a tantalizing talent.

If he's available next offseason, the Steelers could certainly add him to the mix.

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