Who Replaces Aaron Rodgers for the Steelers? AFC North QB Tier List
Hello, Aaron Rodgers?
Are you out there?
We are four months out from the start of the 2026 NFL season, and we still don’t know whether the future first-ballot Hall of Famer will play football or retire.
Well, we’re here to rank the quarterbacks in the AFC North, and as of the writing of this article, Rodgers is still unsigned.
Sorry, Pittsburgh.
More news: Caleb Williams Is Going for 4,000 Yards: NFC North QB Tier List
More news: Joe Burrow Gone If Bengals Fail? Way-Too-Early AFC North 2026 Predictions
1. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
Jackson is the engine of the Baltimore franchise.
When he was out last year, not only did the offense struggle, but the defense did too. Jackson’s rhythm on the offense and how he motivates his entire team change everything.
If he’s healthy, he’ll be a frontrunner for MVP again. If not, the Ravens are going to have a bad year.
2. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
In most divisions, Burrow would be on top. Yet, with Jackson in the same division, he’ll have to settle for second.
Like Jackson, Burrow’s injuries have derailed multiple Bengals seasons.
And after missing the postseason three seasons in a row, the groundwork is already being laid that Burrow might be looking for a new home if that streak reaches four.
3. Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns)
Congratulations, Sanders, Deshaun Watson, or Dillon Gabriel. You have reached third place in this ranking due to Rodgers hiding somewhere in the wilderness, making his decision on whether he’ll return to society.
If he signs with the Steelers, you instantly drop to fourth.
4. Will Howard (Pittsburgh Steelers)
I’m guessing that if Rodgers doesn’t sign, they’re going to trot out sophomore QB Howard and hope that the former national champion signal-caller has what it takes.
Either Howard is good, and the Steelers have a young player to develop, or he’s awful, and Pittsburgh can finally be bad enough to draft a blue-chip quarterback.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 5:12 PM.