Steelers rumors: Writer wants to keep an eye on C.J. Stroud situation

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to play the 2026 NFL season, with Aaron Rodgers as the starting quarterback. While Rodgers has said this will be his last NFL season, Pittsburgh is searching also for a long-term solution at that position. One writer believes Pittsburgh should keep an eye on what happens with Houston Texans gunslinger C.J. Stroud.

“The Texans picked up the fifth-year option for Stroud, meaning even if they don’t get a long-term deal done between now and next offseason, he is still under contract with Houston. So if the Steelers did want to acquire him, it would have to be via trade,” Jarrett Bailey wrote for SB Nation.

There could be an opening for Pittsburgh. According to ESPN, the Texans and Stroud haven’t agreed to a contract extension.

“Stroud and the Texans aren’t close to a deal as of late June,” reporter DJ Bien-Aime wrote. “Houston and its quarterback are in a tricky spot because last season did not end the way either would’ve preferred. Stroud threw four interceptions against the Patriots in the AFC divisional round. A performance like that can cause hesitation when the extension for Stroud could be in the $55 million to $60 million range per year. With how negotiations are currently going, it’s gearing up to be a prove-it season for Stroud.”

Stroud led the Texans to a win over the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Playoffs. Houston crushed Pittsburgh, in what was Mike Tomlin’s final game as the Steelers’ head coach.

The Steelers currently have inexperienced quarterbacks behind Rodgers. Rookie Drew Allar and second-year quarterback Will Howard are backups. Mason Rudolph is also still in the mix for Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh has a new head coach in 2026, in Mike McCarthy. McCarthy previously worked with Rodgers when he was head coach of the Green Bay Packers.

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