With Mike Tomlin‘s stunning departure, the Pittsburgh Steelers face a franchise-altering crossroads, and Art Rooney II‘s first major decision centers on Aaron Rodgers. The owner’s latest comments suggest he’s already preparing for a future without the legendary quarterback.

“Aaron came here to play for Mike [Tomlin]. So I think it will most likely affect his decision,” Rooney told reporters on January 14. 

When Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh, it was never just about the city or the roster. It was about the relationship he shared with Tomlin. Rodgers agreed to a one-year, $13.65 million contract, making it clear at the time that only Tomlin’s presence had taken him to a crossroads. 

As Rodgers framed it, he really had only two options: either play for Tomlin or not play at all. That context now makes Tomlin’s exit feel like more than a coaching change. It feels like the unraveling of the very reason Rodgers chose this final chapter. 

“It starts with Mike Tomlin,” Rodgers said in the offseason. “I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. There’s a few iconic franchises in the NFL. I played for one of ’em for 18 years. This is another one of those. There’s something special about obviously this area. So many great quarterbacks are from Pittsburgh. I feel like Pittsburgh has been a part of my career from the beginning.”

Before the playoff loss, there had already been internal talks and outside speculation about a possible encore with Rodgers. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Rodgers did “open the door” for the 2026 season, and the organization “really enjoyed the experience” and “would be more than open” to bringing him back.

At that point, the dream scenario was simple: Tomlin stays, Rodgers returns, and the Steelers make one more serious run with an all-time great. 

However, the home 6-30 playoff loss to the Texans stung the franchise deeply and changed the tone of the conversation. This was the Steelers’ first home playoff game since the 2020 season. Back then, they still had quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the last passer under whom the Steelers truly felt settled at the position.

Now, with Tomlin out and his future pointing away from Pittsburgh for the first time since 2007, Rodgers’ future with the franchise suddenly looks uncertain. That reality pushes Rooney II toward an unavoidable conclusion: he must search not only for a new head coach, but for a fresh quarterback plan for next season, one that likely does not revolve around Rodgers. 

Art Rooney II hints at bold new QB hunt without Mike Tomlin

On paper, the Steelers are not short on quarterbacks. The roster already includes signal-callers like Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Will Howard. There’s experience, youth, and depth in that room. What is missing, though, is the kind of elite arm talent and playmaking presence. That absence is exactly why Tomlin pushed for A-Rod in the first place. 

However, Rooney appears to be charting a different path. In other words, past playoff records and big-game results could matter more than ever as Rooney and his front office evaluate who should lead the next phase of Steelers football.

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“I’m sure the quarterback position will be an important part of this discussion with the candidates, and we’ll have to develop a plan for going forward,” Rooney added.

That signals that Pittsburgh is not closing the door on a new signing. However, for the first time in nearly two decades, the Steelers are embarking on a quarterback search without Tomlin involved in the process or the outcome. Tomlin moves on after being the longest-serving head coach in the league.