The Pittsburgh Steelers were hopeful to get a decision on Aaron Rodgers before the NFL Draft, but that won’t happen.
Rodgers has hinted at a return to Pittsburgh, but nothing is finalized yet as he remains a free agent. The Steeles were hoping that Rodgers would make a decision much sooner than he did last offseason, but NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported a decision won’t be made before the NFL Draft begins on Thursday.
“The Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on his future and there is no expectation of a final decision prior to the NFL Draft, per me and @TomPelissero. When minicamp begins today under new coach Mike McCarthy, Will Howard will be QB1,” Rapoport wrote on X.
With Rodgers not expected to sign anytime soon, the Steelers will be going with Howard as QB1 in minicamp, with Mason Rudolph as his backup. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, could also draft another quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft to be a developmental quarterback alongside Howard.
Meanwhile, Pelissero also added that the Steelers like Howard a ton and are eager for him to get the reps.
“At this point in the offseason, these reps are more important for Will Howard, a sixth-round pick last year who has many fans — including Aaron Rodgers,” Pelissero added.
Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions last season.
Steelers Owner Wanted Rodgers Decision Before NFL Draft
Pittsburgh won the AFC North last season as Rodgers helped the offense improve from the previous season.
After the successful season, the Steelers wanted Rodgers to return, and the future Hall of Famer seemingly was also interested in returning. Yet, no contract has been signed, and Steelers owner Art Rooney II admitted he wanted something done before the NFL Draft.
“I have not talked to (Rodgers). Coach (Mike McCarthy) has been in contact with him pretty regularly,” Rooney told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor at the Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. “I think a decision is coming soon. I would say by the draft I would expect an answer.”
However, despite Rooney wanting Rodgers to make a decision before the NFL Draft, that won’t be the case anymore. Instead, Pittsburgh will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a major question mark at quarterback.
Pittsburgh has Plan in Place at QB
As Pittsburgh is waiting for a decision on Rodgers, the Steelers hired his longtime coach, Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy is the former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys coach and could reunite with Rodgers again. Although all signs point to Rodgers returning, McCarthy said the Steelers have a plan in place if he decides to retire.
“I think like anything, people talk about having a plan,” McCarthy said. “I think you have to have a system of player acquisition. We do every position. So you got to be able to adjust. You got to be proactive with that thought process. … There really aren’t too many scenarios we haven’t talked about.”
With still months to go before the start of the 2026 NFL season, the Steelers have plenty of time with Rodgers.
Steelers Get Concerning Update on Aaron Rodgers Ahead of NFL Draft