Steelers Legend Urges Team to Move On From Aaron Rodgers

Hall of Famer Rod Woodson says Steelers 'need to move forward' from Rodgers' uncertain future

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:06pm

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Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason, but at 42 years old, his future with the team remains uncertain. Pro Football Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, a Steelers legend, urged the team to move on from Rodgers, saying 'If he's gonna play, say he's gonna play, he's gonna come back. And the team shouldn't wait for Aaron Rodgers. They need to move forward.'

Why it matters

The Steelers are in a state of transition, with a new head coach in Mike McCarthy and questions surrounding their quarterback position. Rodgers' uncertain future has created a distraction, and Woodson believes the team should focus on developing younger options like Will Howard and Mason Rudolph rather than waiting on Rodgers' decision.

The details

Rodgers started 16 games for the Steelers last season, throwing 24 touchdowns, and helped the team end a five-season AFC North division title drought. However, Pittsburgh ultimately could not break its playoff winless streak, losing to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. Woodson expressed frustration with Rodgers' indecision, saying 'What is it with these ex-Green Bay Packers quarterbacks that they have to be talked about all the time?'

  • Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last offseason.
  • The NFL's new league year kicked off last week, and the draft is next month.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A four-time NFL MVP who signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason.

Rod Woodson

A Pro Football Hall of Famer and former standout for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Will Howard

A former Ohio State standout who is set to return to the Steelers in 2026.

Mason Rudolph

An NFL veteran who is set to return to the Steelers in 2026.

Mike McCarthy

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

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What they’re saying

“Is he gonna play? Listen, I get kinda tired of it. Listen, if he's gonna play, say he's gonna play, he's gonna come back. And the team shouldn't wait for Aaron Rodgers. They need to move forward.”

— Rod Woodson, Pro Football Hall of Famer

“What is it with these ex-Green Bay Packers quarterbacks that they have to be talked about all the time? 'Cause Brett Favre was that way for years. Remember how we used to have to talk about Brett Favre, talk about Brett Favre.”

— Rod Woodson, Pro Football Hall of Famer

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to monitor Rodgers' situation as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft and the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Steelers are at a crossroads, with an uncertain quarterback situation and a new head coach in Mike McCarthy. Woodson's frustration with Rodgers' indecision highlights the need for the team to move forward and focus on developing younger options like Will Howard and Mason Rudolph, rather than waiting on the aging veteran.