While Aaron Rodgers intends to take his time deciding on his status for the 2026 campaign, the Steelers are anticipating some clarity sooner than later. While speaking with reporters today, owner/president Art Rooney II acknowledged that the organization expects an answer from Rodgers before the NFL draft, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
While Rodgers seemed destined to join the Steelers last offseason, it took the quarterback until June to finally sign a contract. Rooney said the franchise isn’t expecting to wait around nearly as long this year.
“When I talked to him and Omar [Khan] talked to him, he told us he wasn’t going to take as long this year as he did last year [to make a decision],” Rooney said. “I’m not 100% sure what that means, but I expect something before the draft.”
The Steelers are expecting a quicker resolution this offseason because there aren’t as many (if any) suitors for the veteran QB. While the Raiders were mentioned as a fallback option, it’s always been assumed that Rodgers will either re-sign with Pittsburgh or hang up his cleats. While there was some speculation that the 42-year-old may want his own clarity from the draft, it’s sounding like the team’s first-year additions won’t have any influence on Rodgers’ final decision.
Also working in the Steelers’ favor is the status of Mike McCarthy, who the Steelers hired to replace long-time head coach Mike Tomlin. McCarthy and Rodgers obviously have a relationship dating back from their time in Green Bay, and it’s believed that the addition will ultimately convince the QB to re-up with the franchise. McCarthy spoke with reporters this week and said he’s spoken with Rodgers “every couple of days,” adding that he’s “comfortable with the dialogue that’s occured.”
“Just like they always are, life, football, what’s going on at the facility,” McCarthy said of his conversations with Rodgers (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “So he’s really engaged with what’s going on. … I would just say he’s in a very positive space. We’ll just continue to engage in conversations.”
While the Steelers seem to be counting on Rodgers to be under center in 2026, that won’t stop them from pursuing other players at the position. When asked if the organization would consider selecting a QB in the draft, Khan told reporters that “all options are on the table.”
You don’t get resolution with Rodgers until he’s on another team.
It would be great if they could sign Cousins to a one-year, fully guaranteed contract. Let him know beforehand that the team plans to trade out of the first round this year and move up to the first round next year. This way, Kirk can kick off his coaching career at Pitt after that.
Column in one of today’s local papers by Paul Zeise that pretty much speaks volumes. McCarthy continues to praise Will Howard and apparently has known about him since his days at K-State. He talks about irrelevance of where he was drafted and having all the tools to be a good NFL QB
Ok. Great
And as Zeise wonders, then why are they playing the Rodgers game again? Given his track record with QB’s—he’s the QB whisperer—-then why not go with Howard this year and allow him to settle in? Maybe he’ll be “the man” in ‘27 after growth.
Then the “QB of the future” issue is put the rest
McCarthy seems to be saying the right things. About Howard. About his offense. About adding another stud receiver.
But this continued courtship with Rodgers is ridiculous
Hand him a contract. Tell him he’s got 7 days to sign it.
$ hit or get off the pot.
It certainly isn’t a good look for Omar Khan that he’s allowing a player to dictate the organizations schedule. If Rodgers was still an MVP some patience by the GM would be acceptable. The question now is how many other Steelers will sense Omar is weak and try to exploit that to their advantage.
I can’t believe they let it drag out so long last year. Doing it two years in a row? Sheesh.
This is Aaron Rodgers, and since I live in the Green Bay surroundings, I’ll be blunt… Aaron Rodgers will decide whenever he decides. Aaron Rodgers feels no pressure to decide early and he WON’T decide until he feels ready. Sorry about that…
Please don’t come back. Hang it up. I mean, how much money do you actually need in life?
Rodgers has had a great career and has earned some leeway. However, the team needs to know his plans so they can finalize their plans. He should reciprocate that respect.
Coldly: he is just not that good anymore for any team to put up with this monkeying around. The draft is in 3 weeks: demand an answer and move on if he’s not ready to commit.
This soap opera saga about Rodgers is all on rooney