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The Pittsburgh Steelers are still awaiting quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ decision on whether he will play in the 2026 NFL season. As the process moves forward, it appears that a contingency plan is now in place.

NFL insider Jason La Canfora reports that the Steelers are not pursuing any other veteran options via NFL free agency or trade. Instead, the team will have a quarterback battle between Mason Rudolph and Will Howard this summer.

RELATED: The Aaron Rodgers saga takes another turn for the Steelers

While there is real excitement in the organization about third-round pick Drew Allar, who is being coached by Mike McCarthy, the rookie isn’t set to see the field any time soon. Rudolph will likely be the favorite to win the Steelers’ starting quarterback competition, but it will be an open battle.

The Steelers organization is reportedly “very excited” about Howard’s development entering his second season. While the Eller selection added some uncertainty to Howard’s future in Pittsburgh, he remains a signal-caller who is highly rated in the organization.

RELATED: Insiders predict who the Steelers starting QB will be in 2027

In his career as the Steelers’ starting quarterback, Allard has compiled a record of 8–5–1 in 14 starts. He also has a 21-13 TD-INT ratio with an 86.7 passer rating in 26 career appearances with Pittsburgh. Howard, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, never saw the field in his rookie season.

For now, there remains tentative hope that Rodgers will announce his return and be the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2026. If he retires, the team that looked to be a playoff contender this upcoming season may instead be headed for a transition year where it will struggle to post a winning record.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Cornerback Darius Slay announced his retirement from professional football today. Over the course of more than a decade in the league, Slay built a career as a shutdown corner, a vocal leader, and a player whose personality matched his elite on-field production. He played for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers during his 13-year career. Slay made six Pro Bowl appearances, one All-Pro, and one Super Bowl victory.

Slay’s professional career began when the Lions selected him 36th overall in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He would play in Detroit from 2013 to 2019. His breakout came in 2017, when he led the NFL in interceptions and earned first-team All-Pro honors. In this time frame, he earned the nickname Big Play Slay. By the end of his tenure with the Lions, Slay had firmly established himself as an elite, shutdown corner and attracted the attention of the Eagles.

Entering the 2020 season, Slay’s career changed for the better. He was traded to the Eagles for several mid-round draft picks. Slay quickly adapted to the Philadelphia culture and became a leader on the field and a respected voice in the locker room. He and fellow corner James Bradberry helped transform the Eagles’ secondary from mediocre to elite, and within two years, Philly was in the Super Bowl.

Although they lost this Super Bowl, the Eagles came back in a short time. Slay’s greatest legacy may be teaching Cooper Dejean and Quinyon Mitchell. Both were taken in the 2024 draft and became undrafted high-impact rookies.

Slay played a big role in his development and led the Eagles to a defense that was top 5 in the league. The revamped secondary led Philly to a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The impact of his tutelage is still felt today, with Mitchell and Dejean widely regarded as elite defensive players, providing a ton of surplus value on their rookie contracts.

Unfortunately, due to cap reasons, Slay would be released from Philly and sent to Pittsburgh for his last season in the league. He started 9 games for the Steelers this season, and contributed in the playoffs as part of an experienced defense.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama made it clear on Saturday that he won’t be emotional when Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James finally retires.

Speaking during NBA All-Star Media Day at the Intuit Dome, Wembanyama was asked if he would shed tears when James walked away from the game.

“No.” Laugh

Then he added:

“I won’t shed tears but it’s definitely going to be very awkward.”

Wembley on whether he cries when LeBron retires:

“No” pic.twitter.com/dXHLb3eEtl

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 14 February 2026

The light-hearted exchange came as players reflected on sharing what could potentially be James’ final All-Star appearance. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was asked the same question and gave a different response.

“Am I going to shed tears? I might cry a little.” Laugh.

Ant: “I could cry a little”

Who is asking this question??? https://t.co/sUFOBY7wPo pic.twitter.com/e66sP1tsus

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 14 February 2026

The 41-year-old James is currently in his 23rd NBA season and continues to produce at a high level for the Lakers. Through 36 games, he has averaged 22 points, 7.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and one steal per game, while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from three-point range in 33.3 minutes per contest. Los Angeles enters the weekend with a 33-21 record.

On Thursday night, James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in the Lakers’ 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks, adding to a resume that spans two decades.

Wembanyama has previously spoken about what he can learn from James’ longevity and professionalism, calling him an example of how to navigate the spotlight as the face of the league. As the NBA enters a new era, the 22-year-old centerpiece of the Spurs is widely viewed as one of the league’s future standard-bearers.

Whether emotional or not, Wembanyama acknowledged that James’ eventual departure will mark a significant change in the NBA landscape.