A lot of uncertainty continues to surround the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation ahead of Mike McCarthy’s first season at the franchise. With nothing agreed with Aaron Rodgers as it stands, a lot of names have been mentioned as a likely starting option for the team in 2026

Carson Beck is the latest quarterback to be linked to the Steelers ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. The Miami star was on for the four quarterbacks the team met with at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, and they are now said to be doing their homework on drafting him in April.

This once again negates the idea that Mike McCarthy has a belief in Will Howard, who’s entering his second season at the franchise in 2026. Howard backed up Rodgers as a rookie last season, and there have been earlier reports that he’s in contention for the starting job next season.

Getting linked to Carson Beck has further confirmed the suspicion of Andrew Fillipponi on how the Steelers feel about Howard. Following his negative reaction to Ty Simpson’s link on Monday, he doesn’t see any need to draft Beck, who threw 95 touchdowns in college football.

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“There’s no reason for the Steelers to do their homework on Carson Beck if they like Will Howard as much as they let on. Unless Aaron Rodgers isn’t coming back,” Fillipponi said on X.

Analyst explores the prospect of Carson Beck for Mike McCarthy’s Steelers

Sports Illustrated’s Jacob Punturi weighed in on the prospect of the Pittsburgh Steelers drafting Carson Beck on Tuesday. While the analyst doesn’t entertain the idea himself, he explored why Mike McCarthy and the Steelers are considering the former Georgia quarterback.

“This is something that has never made sense to me, but the Steelers have legitimate interest in the almost 24-year-old quarterback,” Punturi wrote. “He was one of four quarterbacks that the organization formally met with at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine, and he stands out amongst the group.

“The reason why is because he is viewed by some as the most “pro-ready” player in this class outside of Fernando Mendoza. Players like Simpson, Penn State product Drew Allar and LSU star Garrett Nussmeier are all viewed as longer-term projects with upside. Meanwhile, Beck’s size (6’4”, 220 pounds) and five seasons of NCAA experience, is enticing to the quarterback-starved Steelers.”

Mike McCarthy has a reputation of getting the best out of quarterbacks in his decades in the NFL. However, he has a big decision to make this time with the Steelers amid the rising expectations in Pittsburgh. It remains to be seen who gets to start at quarterback for the team next season.