Aaron Rodgers Has No Deadline for Steelers Future Decision

Veteran QB says he's enjoying offseason, no contract offer on table yet

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he has not been given a deadline by the Pittsburgh Steelers to decide on his future with the team. Rodgers, who is a free agent, spoke publicly for the first time since the end of the Steelers' season, praising new head coach Mike McCarthy and saying he's enjoying his offseason without any contract negotiations happening at the moment.

Why it matters

Rodgers' future with the Steelers is a major storyline heading into the offseason, as the team looks to build on their division title and playoff appearance in his first season as their starting QB. His decision could have significant implications for the team's roster and plans for the 2026 season.

The details

Rodgers, 42, said there has been no deadline given to him by the Steelers organization and no contract offer has been made yet. He said he's been in contact with the team, but there haven't been any "progressive conversations" about his future. Rodgers praised new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who he worked with previously, calling him "one of the great guys in the league" and an "exceptional human being with a big heart."

  • Rodgers spoke publicly on March 5, 2026.
  • NFL free agency for the 2026 season will officially begin on March 11, 2026.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback who played his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, leading them to an AFC North division title.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired earlier in 2026 to replace Mike Tomlin.

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What they’re saying

“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. I'm a free agent. I'm enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason and I think there's conversations to be had down the line, but right now, there hasn't been any progressive conversations.”

— Aaron Rodgers (The Pat McAfee Show)

“I love Mike, and Mike and I have kept some contact over the years. He's one of the great guys in the league, an exceptional human being with a big heart.”

— Aaron Rodgers (The Pat McAfee Show)

What’s next

Free agency for the NFL's 2026 season will officially begin at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and teams are allowed to begin negotiating with agents for unrestricted free agents starting on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The takeaway

Rodgers' future with the Steelers remains uncertain, with no deadline or contract offer on the table yet. His decision could have major implications for the team's plans heading into the 2026 season, but for now he's enjoying his offseason and keeping an open dialogue with the organization.