- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Steelers Weigh Options as Rodgers Mulls Retirement
Pittsburgh may turn to younger QBs if Rodgers delays decision on 2026 season.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:04am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting on a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers about whether he will return for the 2026 NFL season or retire. Rodgers, 42, has kept the Steelers in limbo as he considers his future, and the team may grow impatient and turn to younger options like Will Howard if Rodgers delays his choice much longer.
Why it matters
The Steelers are in a difficult position as they try to build their roster for the upcoming season, but are unsure if their veteran quarterback will be part of their plans. Rodgers' indecision could force the team to explore other quarterback options, which could impact their overall strategy and competitiveness for the 2026 campaign.
The details
Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, joined the Steelers in 2025 on a one-year contract after being released by the New York Jets. He led Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth, but the team was eliminated in the AFC Wild Card round. With Rodgers' future uncertain, the Steelers may turn to 2025 sixth-round draft pick Will Howard or veteran options like Mason Rudolph and Kirk Cousins if Rodgers does not commit to playing soon.
- In February 2023, Rodgers entered a 'darkness retreat' and was '90% retiring' from the NFL.
- During the 2024 offseason, Rodgers opted out of the Jets' mandatory minicamp, sparking questions about his commitment.
- Last year, Rodgers waited until June to sign a one-year contract with the Steelers.
The players
Aaron Rodgers
A 42-year-old quarterback who is considering retirement or returning to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026.
Will Howard
A sixth-round draft pick by the Steelers in 2025 who won the College Football Playoff National Championship as Ohio State's starting quarterback, but has not yet played in the NFL.
Mike McCarthy
The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers and won a Super Bowl with him 15 years ago.
What’s next
The Steelers are hopeful that Rodgers will return, but are preparing to move forward with Will Howard and other options if Rodgers decides to retire.
The takeaway
Rodgers' indecision is putting the Steelers in a difficult position as they try to build their roster for the 2026 season. The team may be forced to explore other quarterback options if Rodgers does not commit to playing soon, which could impact their overall competitiveness.
