Aaron Rodgers' Steelers Indecision Draws Analyst Criticism

NFL analyst Nick Wright slams Rodgers for delaying his decision on playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NFL analyst Nick Wright harshly criticized four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers for his indecision about signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season. Rodgers, 42, waited until June to sign a one-year deal with the Steelers last year and has not yet committed to the team for this upcoming season, drawing the ire of Wright who called Rodgers a "delicate snowflake" for the delay.

Why it matters

Rodgers' prolonged decision-making process has become an annual offseason storyline, with the veteran quarterback often waiting until late in the free agency period to finalize his plans. This has created uncertainty for the Steelers, who are reportedly hopeful and optimistic that Rodgers will return, but have not yet received a firm commitment from the quarterback.

The details

On his FS1 show First Things First, Wright said he is "offended on the Steelers' behalf" that Rodgers has not yet signed with the team, calling his delay "inexplicable" and "bordering on indefensible." Wright criticized Rodgers' claim that the Steelers have not offered him a contract, saying this is "all kayfabe" and "wrestling" at this point. The analyst believes Rodgers is intentionally delaying his decision to maintain a sense of drama and specialness around his offseason plans.

  • Rodgers waited until June to sign a one-year contract with the Steelers in 2025.
  • Rodgers has not yet committed to playing for the Steelers in the 2026 season.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old four-time NFL MVP quarterback who is a future Hall of Famer.

Nick Wright

An NFL analyst who hosts the FS1 show First Things First.

Pittsburgh Steelers

An NFL team that is reportedly hopeful and optimistic that Rodgers will return to play for them in the 2026 season.

Kirk Cousins

A 37-year-old NFL quarterback who could be an option for the Steelers if Rodgers does not sign with them.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike McCarthy

The newly hired head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom Rodgers won a Super Bowl in Green Bay 15 years ago.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think they should sign Kirk Cousins. I am offended on the Steelers' behalf that Rodgers is just such a delicate snowflake that he can't make his decision yet.”

— Nick Wright, NFL Analyst

“It is inexplicable, bordering on indefensible, why Aaron Rodgers is not on the Steelers yet. Assuming the Steelers want him, which it appears they do. This whole 'they haven't offered me a contract' nonsense he peddled to [Pat] McAfee — I tried to be nice the day of it, and then, I was like, Nick, just be honest with the audience. This is all kayfabe. This is wrestling, at this point.”

— Nick Wright, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Steelers are waiting for Rodgers to officially commit to the team for the 2026 season, with no clear timeline for when he will make that decision.

The takeaway

Rodgers' prolonged decision-making process has become an annual offseason distraction, with the veteran quarterback often waiting until late in free agency to finalize his plans. This indecision has drawn criticism from analysts like Nick Wright, who believe Rodgers is intentionally delaying to maintain a sense of drama and specialness around his offseason plans.