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Steelers Await Rodgers' Decision on 2026 Season
Insider Adam Schefter reveals Steelers' timeline for QB Aaron Rodgers to decide on playing future
Feb. 9, 2026 at 5:55pm
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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers have given quarterback Aaron Rodgers about a month to decide if he will return for the 2026 NFL season. Steelers GM Omar Khan reportedly told Rodgers after the 2025 season that he must let the team know his plans within a month. Rodgers, who is 42 years old, completed his first season with the Steelers in 2025, throwing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Why it matters
Rodgers' decision will have major implications for the Steelers' offseason plans and their outlook for the 2026 season. The four-time MVP is considering retirement, but the Steelers and his teammates are hopeful he will return for another year. New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who previously worked with Rodgers in Green Bay, has been in communication with the veteran QB.
The details
According to Schefter, Steelers players 'to a man' want Rodgers back for the 2026 season. The team gave Rodgers about a month after the season ended to think about his future, with the expectation that he will let them know his decision before the start of free agency in mid-March. Rodgers also has spoken with new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is hoping the QB will return.
- The Steelers gave Rodgers about a month after the 2025 season ended to decide on his future.
- Rodgers is expected to let the Steelers know his decision before the start of free agency in mid-March 2026.
The players
Aaron Rodgers
A 42-year-old quarterback who completed his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, throwing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Mike McCarthy
The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously worked with Rodgers in Green Bay and has been in communication with the veteran QB about his future.
Omar Khan
The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who told Rodgers after the 2025 season that he must let the team know his plans for the 2026 season within a month.
DK Metcalf
The Pittsburgh Steelers' new wide receiver, who has spoken with Rodgers and is hoping the QB will return for the 2026 season.
What they’re saying
“Give him some to think about things, process things, and in that time, they go and hire Mike McCarthy. Now they didn't hire Mike McCarthy to bring back Aaron Rodgers, but I don't think that hurts the situation at all. If anything it helps it.”
— Adam Schefter, ESPN Analyst (The Pat McAfee Show)
“Rodgers has not yet informed the Steelers whether he will return for his 22nd NFL season, but my understanding is the odds are increasing.”
— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter (NFL GameDay Morning)
What’s next
The Steelers are expecting Rodgers to let them know his decision on playing in 2026 before the start of free agency in mid-March.
The takeaway
Rodgers' future with the Steelers remains uncertain, but the team and his teammates are hopeful he will return for the 2026 season. The hiring of former Packers coach Mike McCarthy is seen as a positive for keeping Rodgers in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers have given the veteran QB time to carefully consider his options.
