Steelers' Art Rooney II expects Aaron Rodgers decision before NFL Draft

The draft is in Pittsburgh this year, beginning April 23.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pittsburgh Steelers team president Art Rooney II told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he expects veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to have made up his mind on a return before the NFL Draft, which is taking place in Pittsburgh starting April 23. Rooney said Rodgers told the team he wouldn't take as long this year as he did last year to make a decision.

Why it matters

The Steelers are hoping to have clarity on Rodgers' future before the draft, as his decision could significantly impact their offseason plans and roster moves. Rodgers is 42 years old and coming off a 2025 season where he passed for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.

The details

Last year, Rodgers officially joined the Steelers on June 6, but reporting later revealed the team had been confident he would sign well in advance. This time, Rooney said he's not 100% sure what Rodgers' timeline means, but he expects something before the draft. New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy also noted there is a 'decompressing period' that goes on with older players after the season.

  • The NFL Draft is set to begin on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh.
  • In 2025, Rodgers passed for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions with the Steelers.

The players

Art Rooney II

The president of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers

The 42-year-old veteran quarterback who played for the Steelers in 2025.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'When I talked to him and Omar [Khan] talked to him, he told us he wasn't going to take as long this year as he did last year [to make a decision]. I'm not 100% sure what that means, but I expect something before the draft.'”

— Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers President

“'There's definitely a decompressing period that goes on with the older guys (after the season), and that's where we are.'”

— Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach

What’s next

The Steelers will be closely monitoring Rodgers' decision-making process in the coming weeks, as his choice could significantly impact their draft strategy and offseason plans.

The takeaway

The Steelers are eager to get clarity on Aaron Rodgers' future before the NFL Draft, as his decision could have major implications for the team's roster and offseason moves. Rodgers' age and recent performance suggest the Steelers are hoping he will return for at least one more season, but the timeline remains uncertain.