Aaron Rodgers Remains Unsigned as Free Agency Looms

Veteran QB has limited options as teams address QB needs elsewhere

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:49pm

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Four days into the 2026 NFL free agency period, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned. Rodgers, who expressed confidence he would have "one or two" options if he decided to play another season, is finding the market drying up as teams address their quarterback needs elsewhere. The only obvious remaining option for the 42-year-old Rodgers appears to be the Pittsburgh Steelers, who seem willing to wait for him despite growing impatience from their fanbase.

Why it matters

Rodgers' uncertain future is a major storyline in the NFL offseason, as the future Hall of Famer weighs retirement or a potential final chapter with a new team. His decision will have significant implications for both his legacy and the quarterback landscape across the league.

The details

Rodgers pointed out multiple times late in the 2025 season that he would be a free agent in 2026, expressing confidence he would have options. However, as the free agency period has unfolded, many of the quarterback-needy teams have already addressed their needs, signing players like Malik Willis, Daniel Jones, and Tua Tagovailoa. The only obvious remaining option for Rodgers appears to be the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would be reunited with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and head coach Mike LaFleur, both of whom Rodgers trusts. But the Steelers' willingness to wait on Rodgers has drawn criticism from their fanbase, who wonder if the team is content to let potentially better options pass them by.

  • Rodgers expressed confidence about his free agent options in late 2025.
  • The 2026 NFL free agency period began on March 8.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A veteran quarterback and future Hall of Famer who is currently a free agent after spending the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers.

Nathaniel Hackett

The offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously worked with Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers coaching staff.

Mike LaFleur

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously worked with Rodgers when he was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

Cam Heyward

A defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers who previously commented that "you either want to be a Steeler or you don't."

Will Howard

A quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who the team may consider letting show what he can do if they do not sign a veteran free agent.

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What they’re saying

“Whenever the season ends, I'll be a free agent. So that'll give me a lot of options if I still want to play. [Not] a lot of options, but there'll be options I would think, maybe one or two, if I decide I still want to play.”

— Aaron Rodgers

“You either want to be a Steeler or you don't.”

— Cam Heyward, Defensive Lineman

What’s next

The Steelers will likely need to decide whether to wait for Rodgers' decision or pursue other veteran quarterback options like Kirk Cousins if he does not commit to joining the team.

The takeaway

Rodgers' uncertain free agency status highlights the challenges facing aging superstars as they weigh retirement or a final chapter with a new team. The Steelers' willingness to wait on Rodgers has drawn criticism, but the team may be banking on the lure of playing for a storied franchise to convince the future Hall of Famer to join them for one last run.