With the NFL free agency contract negotiation window opening March 9 at noon ET, CBS Sports is providing a position-by-position look at the free agent landscape. Leading the way,

The Pittsburgh Steelers are creating contingency plans at the quarterback position, given the possibility that Aaron Rodgers either retires this offseason or after the 2026 campaign.

Free-agent quarterbacks like Garoppolo and Marcus Mariota probably won’t be signed as starters, but could be high-priority backups. Garoppolo barely played the last two seasons with the Rams, but spending two seasons with head coach Sean McVay can’t be a bad thing. He’s a reliable vet with positive starting experience.

An injury-riddled season put JJ McCarthy’s role with the Minnesota Vikings in question. With top heads openly admitting they are exploring potential options, many wondered whether the franchise would consider landing quarterback Aaron Rodgers.