The Steelers Quarterback Upgrade Could Create a Hidden Winner in 2026
Everyone will be paying close attention to the Steelers this season. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is reunited with coach Mike McCarthy this year. McCarthy coached the future Hall of Famer for most of his time with the Green Bay Packers. This is the veteran coach’s first season with Pittsburgh. Rodgers and McCarthy aren’t the only Packers reunion this year. Last week, the Steelers signed former Packers tight end Robert Tonyan to a one-year contract.
Tonyan joined the Packers late in McCarthy’s tenure. Tonyan and Rodgers were teammates for five seasons. Rodney Knuppel of Athlon Sports stated, “Rodgers frequently looked Tonyan’s way near the goal line, and the chemistry between the two became one of the more underrated storylines of Green Bay’s high-powered offense.” The ultimate red-zone weapon played an essential role in the Steelers’ veteran quarterback’s 2020 MVP season. He amassed 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns.
During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday, writer Ray Fittipaldo discussed Tonyan’s chances of making the final roster. He said, “Yeah, I think they’re very strong at one and two, but I definitely think there should be a competition for number three. Just go back and look at Aaron’s history and how he’s wanted to play with guys who have played with him before, guys he can trust, guys who have produced for him. That’s important to Rodgers. So yeah, I do think if he can prove at age 32, if he can recapture some of what he did a few years ago, then yeah, he’ll definitely have a shot to have a small role on this football team.”
Tonyan’s experience with Green Bay's former gunslinger should prove advantageous as he battles for a roster spot. Steeler Nation’s Brogan Noey is another writer who pointed out that the future Hall of Famer likes to have guys around that he has experience with. He noted, “When he was with the New York Jets, the franchise brought in guys like Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, as well as Davante Adams. In 2025, the Steelers signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the second half of the season.” Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington have already secured their place on the roster. Jaheim Bell and JJ Galbreath are the clutch performer’s top competition for the third spot at tight end.
