Rodgers and McCarthy Remain in Close Contact, But QB's Future Still Uncertain

Steelers coach praises former QB's unique abilities, but provides few details on when a decision will be made.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a football player in motion, rendered in muted earth tones, conceptually representing the uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' quarterback position.The Steelers' quarterback situation remains in flux as they await a decision from veteran Aaron Rodgers on his NFL future.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy revealed that he and former quarterback Aaron Rodgers continue to speak regularly, but offered little new information on when Rodgers might decide if he will play for the Steelers in 2026. McCarthy heaped praise on Rodgers' football acumen and diverse interests, but said the quarterback's future remains uncertain as free agency continues.

Why it matters

The Steelers are in a holding pattern as they wait for Rodgers to make a decision on his NFL future. The team had hoped for a quicker resolution, but Rodgers appears to be taking his time as he did last offseason when he ultimately signed with the Steelers just before mandatory minicamp. The Steelers need clarity on their quarterback situation as they approach the NFL Draft and offseason workouts.

The details

McCarthy and Rodgers speak 'every couple of days' about life, football, and their time together in Green Bay. The Steelers coach highlighted Rodgers' 'curiosity' off the field, noting the quarterback's diverse interests like 'homeopathic medicine' and 'what's going on in outer space.' However, McCarthy provided few specifics on when Rodgers might make a decision, saying those conversations remain 'very personal.' The Steelers had hoped for a quicker resolution, but Rodgers has yet to commit to playing in 2026 as free agency continues.

  • The Steelers begin offseason workouts at the team facility next week.
  • The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-26, 2026.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The first-year head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously coached Aaron Rodgers for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who is considering playing his 22nd NFL season, and is currently a free agent after spending 2025 with the Steelers.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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What they’re saying

“'You know football guys, they talk about the past a lot.'”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

“'There's such a depth of experience. But his ability to apply that information, that's probably one of his greatest gifts. He's a gifted thrower, his accuracy (is excellent). And physically, the Lord blessed him extremely. But his ability to apply information to the line of scrimmage, I think it's — I hate saying the best, because that term gets thrown around — but I think he's so unique in that area.'”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

“'Whether it's homeopathic medicine or what's going on in outer space, he has depths probably as diverse and as deep as not only anyone I've ever coached, but I've ever worked with. I've always admired that about him.'”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

What’s next

The Steelers will be closely watching to see if Rodgers makes a decision on his future before the NFL Draft in late April, as that would provide clarity for the team's roster construction and planning.

The takeaway

Rodgers' indecision on his NFL future continues to create uncertainty for the Steelers, who had hoped for a quicker resolution. While McCarthy praised Rodgers' unique abilities, the team must remain flexible and prepared for multiple scenarios as they await the veteran quarterback's decision.