With the 2026 playing status of Aaron Rodgers still in doubt, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to do their homework on the 2026 quarterback class.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Steelers hosted Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green for a pre-draft visit Monday. One of the more athletically gifted signal-callers of the 2026 NFL draft class, Green performed very well at the combine.
At Arkansas the past two seasons, Green threw 34 touchdowns and ran for 16 scores in 25 games.
One of the top testers at the combine, Green previously visited the Ravens and the Cowboys, who were also among several teams to work him out privately.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected Green to be an early Day 3 pick in the fourth or fifth round.
“A long, rangy, dual-threat quarterback with upside, Green’s ability to generate explosive plays as a runner and passer helped keep his offense afloat,” wrote Zierlein. “His ability to win with his legs on called runs or pocket breaks pushes his value beyond his passing profile.
“Green’s upside will be tantalizing but his ceiling will only track with his growth as a passer.”
Pundits are split on whether the Steelers will take a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft. But just about every analyst sees the position as on the table for the Steelers on either Day 2 or 3.
The team has 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even if Rodgers returns, he appears to be a 1-year solution because he will turn 43 years old in December.
Without Rodgers, the Steelers only have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on their quarterback depth chart.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported that in addition to Green, the Steelers also hosted Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano and Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard for pre-draft visits Monday.
Steelers Host QB Taylen Green for Pre-Draft Visit: Report
GettyThe Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted Taylen Green and two other 2026 NFL Draft prospects on Monday.
It’s crunch time for teams with the 2026 NFL Draft. The Steelers, who will host the draft, will conclude their pre-draft visits this week.
The first round of the draft is in 10 days — Thursday, April 23.
With NFL teams making their final preparations, it’s only natural that Monday was a big day for the Steelers with visitors.
Green has a plethora of talent as a dual-threat signal-caller. But questions about how he will develop as a passer will likely make him a Day 3 selection.
However, if the Steelers don’t target Alabama’s Ty Simpson in the first round or second-tier prospects such as Carson Beck and Drew Allar on Day 2, perhaps they could roll the dice on Green. Doing so wouldn’t be all that different than drafting Howard last year in the sixth round.
The Steelers could develop Green and Howard at the same time in a competition this summer.
Green began his college career with three seasons at Boise State. During 2025, he completed 60.7% of his passes while averaging 8.3 yards per attempt with Arkansas. Green led the SEC with 13.7 yards per completion to rack up 2,714 passing yards.
He also had 19 touchdowns and eight rushing scores with 11 interceptions.
Will Aaron Rodgers Play in 2026 NFL Season?
GettyThe Pittsburgh Steelers hosted quarterback prospect Taylen Green for a pre-draft visit as they continue to wait for a 2026 decision from veteran Aaron Rodgers.
NFL analysts were concerned for a second consecutive spring that the Steelers might enter the draft without having an answer from Rodgers on the upcoming season.
Early in the offseason, Steelers insiders reported that wouldn’t be the case and that a Rodgers decision earlier than 2025. But with about a week and a half until the first round, it appears very likely that Rodgers will not be signing with the team before the draft.
That’s potentially a problem for the team. The Steelers should be interested in drafting a quarterback much earlier if they know for certain that Rodgers isn’t returning.
But if the Steelers are making decisions independent of Rodgers’s status, then the veteran quarterback remaining unsigned matters less. Adding Green wouldn’t influence whether the team will bring back the 4-time MVP.
Drafting a quarterback and re-signing Rodgers, though, could impact Rudolph or Howard. The Steelers would have to carry four quarterbacks to keep the veteran backup and inexperienced second-year quarterback with a prospect and Rodgers.
But if the Steelers love Green’s upside, then that’s probably something they’d consider doing.
Steelers Host ‘Explosive’ Dual-Threat QB as Wait for Aaron Rodgers Continues