The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again caught in a familiar place, waiting. And this time, the uncertainty revolves around one man: Aaron Rodgers. The veteran quarterback, widely expected to either return for another season or call time on his career, has yet to make a call.

Now, if Rodgers walks away, Pittsburgh could find itself scrambling. And even if he stays, the question remains: What next?

Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton noted that the Steelers should consider making a move for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones, regardless of Rodgers’ decision.

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“The Pittsburgh Steelers might be one of the teams that inquired about Jones. They will likely have to pay a steep price for him, but the 27-year-old could be a solution that keeps them out of quarterback limbo for the foreseeable future,” Moton said.”

“Even if Aaron Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh, the Steelers can sign Jones to an extension before 2027, giving them a long-term quarterback plan.”

Will Mac Jones be traded? 49ers want ‘astronomical’ price as interest grows

Jones, who rebuilt his reputation in 2025, quietly put together a strong case for himself. Stepping in for an injured Brock Purdy, he started eight games and led the 49ers to a 5-3 record, throwing 13 touchdowns against six interceptions.

Then, across the league, interest in Jones has grown, even if acquiring him won’t come cheap. The Athletic reported that the San Francisco’s asking price is “astronomical.”

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This may not be as price-conscious with Pittsburgh, however, as it is about direction. In case Rodgers does not come back, Jones would be a stable bridge. It also has a financial factor, though this plays to the favour of Pittsburgh. Jones is still on the comparatively expensive agreement that extends to 2026, and this implies that the Steelers would not be committing itself to a risky long-term contract immediately.

But if Rodgers does return and starts, bringing in Jones only to sit him on the bench may not make much football or financial sense.