Insiders have consistently stated that quarterback Aaron Rodgers would have a decision made on his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers before the start of NFL free agency. The league’s legal tampering period, though, begins Monday, and Rodgers doesn’t appear in a hurry to make up his mind.
That’s what Rodgers strongly suggested during his Wednesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
To begin the conversation about his future, he immediately put fans on notice that he wouldn’t be announcing any decision. In the rest of his answer, the quarterback cast doubt on a potential decision coming soon.
“Anybody on here who’s expecting me to make some big decision, just turn it off now. Just leave,” Rodgers said Wednesday.
Rodgers said he’s had conversations with Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan. But other than that, his answer sounded very similar to ones he gave last April on the same ESPN show.
“There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me. There’s no contract offer or anything. So, there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between,” said Rodgers. “I’m a free agent and, again, I’m enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason.
“I think there’s conversations to be had down the line. There hasn’t been any progressive conversations.”
Last year, Rodgers didn’t sign with the Steelers until June 5.
Will Steelers Have Aaron Rodgers Decision by Free Agency?
Rodgers’s Wednesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show was the first time the quarterback publicly addressed his 2026 future.
As he did last April on the same show, Rodgers was coy. McAfee allowed him to be, which is why the quarterback routinely appears on the show.
Based on Wednesday’s interview, there should be serious doubt that Rodgers will tell the Steelers his plans about playing next season before free agency. The quarterback wouldn’t even confirm Wednesday that, if he plays in 2026, it will be in Pittsburgh.
Rodgers taking his time with his 2026 decision isn’t good news for the Steelers. The team has to begin putting together its roster next week.
It’s tough to do that without a starting quarterback.
Furthermore, the Steelers can’t really pursue other options behind center while waiting for Rodgers to make a decision.
Reaction to Rodgers Interview With Pat McAfee
Overall, the reaction to the quarterback’s ESPN appearance was not positive, especially among Steelers fans.
But there’s a couple things of note that are more positive.
First, Steelers insider Christopher Carter correctly pointed out that if Rodgers wasn’t going to play next season, then he probably wouldn’t be doing McAfee interviews.
“Aaron Rodgers has said several times on The Pat McAfee Show that once he’s done, you” never hear from him again,” wrote Carter on X.
“Well, we’re hearing from him. So, I’d imagine that he’s not done.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh. But it still feels like that’s the likely scenario.
The second thing worth mentioning is actually a question — does the timing on Rodgers’s decision really matter?
Again, ideally, Rodgers would already be signed. But last year, the quarterback dragging out his free agency decision had little to no impact on the Pittsburgh offseason.
That could very well be the case again this spring.
As long as he’s ready for the regular season, which likely means being signed before mandatory June minicamp, that’s really all that matters.
Last season, Rodgers went 10-6 as a starter and led the Steelers to their first division title since 2020.
Aaron Rodgers Fires Blunt Message on Steelers 2026 Decision Before NFL Free Agency