Steelers GM Expects Quicker Rodgers Decision This Year

Pittsburgh looking to avoid repeat of last year's drawn-out quarterback saga.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:39am

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Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan said he expects a faster resolution on Aaron Rodgers' future this offseason, as the veteran quarterback weighs a return for a 22nd NFL season or retirement. Rodgers delayed his decision last year before ultimately joining the Steelers in June, but Khan believes the circumstances are different this time around.

Why it matters

The Steelers are hoping to avoid a repeat of the uncertainty that surrounded their quarterback situation last year, which dragged on until the summer. Rodgers' decision will have major implications for the team's plans at the position, as they also have high hopes for 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard.

The details

Khan said the Steelers and Rodgers have a mutual respect, and "neither side wants to have this drag on like we did last year." Rodgers had serious talks with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Steelers in 2025 after being released by the New York Jets. The Steelers won the AFC North with a 10-7 record last season but lost in the playoffs for the seventh straight time since 2016.

  • Rodgers put off retirement last year to play for coach Mike Tomlin.
  • Rodgers ultimately joined the Steelers in June 2025.

The players

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who is weighing a return for a 22nd NFL season or retirement.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers.

Will Howard

The Steelers' 2025 sixth-round draft pick, who spent most of his rookie season on injured reserve.

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What they’re saying

“He knows how we feel, and we know how he feels about us. There's a mutual respect there.”

— Omar Khan, General Manager, Pittsburgh Steelers

“I think the circumstances are a little different, but just conversations that we had, I think neither side wants to have this drag on like we did last year.”

— Omar Khan, General Manager, Pittsburgh Steelers

“We're all searching for the next franchise player, the guy who's going to be our quarterback for the next 10 or 15 years. It might be Will. We don't know. We're excited to work with Will.”

— Omar Khan, General Manager, Pittsburgh Steelers

What’s next

The Steelers are hoping to get a decision from Rodgers on his future plans in the coming weeks, as they look to solidify their quarterback position for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Steelers are eager to avoid a repeat of last year's drawn-out quarterback saga, and are hopeful that Rodgers will make a quicker decision on his future this offseason. The team remains high on young quarterback Will Howard, but Rodgers' decision will have major implications for their plans at the position.