Steelers Await Rodgers' Decision as NFL Draft Approaches

Mike McCarthy and Art Rooney II discuss the quarterback's future with the team.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:23pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again waiting for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to decide his future, with head coach Mike McCarthy and owner Art Rooney II providing updates on the situation. McCarthy has been in regular contact with Rodgers, who is considering retirement or playing elsewhere, while Rooney expects a decision from the veteran QB before the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Steelers have been in quarterback limbo since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, starting six different QBs in the past five seasons. Rodgers' decision will have a major impact on the team's plans for the 2026 season and beyond, as they look to solidify the position.

The details

McCarthy said he has been speaking with Rodgers 'weekly, every couple of days' as the quarterback mulls his options. The coach described their conversations as covering 'life, football, what's going on at the facility,' and said Rodgers is 'in a very positive space.' Meanwhile, Rooney said he has not personally spoken to Rodgers, but expects a decision from the 42-year-old before the NFL Draft in about three weeks.

  • Rodgers waited until June to make his decision last year, but the Steelers are adamant he won't take that long this time.
  • The NFL Draft is just about three weeks away, and Rooney expects Rodgers to make his decision by then.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously won a Super Bowl with Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers.

Art Rooney II

The owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers

The 42-year-old quarterback who is considering retirement or playing elsewhere after spending the past season with the Steelers.

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What they’re saying

“Just like they always are, life, football, what's going on at the facility. So he's really engaged with what's going on.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

“I have not talked to him. Coach has been in contact with him pretty regularly. I think his decision's probably coming soon. I would say by the draft I expect an answer, yep.”

— Art Rooney II, Owner, Pittsburgh Steelers

What’s next

The Steelers will likely have to wait until the NFL Draft in about three weeks to get a final decision from Rodgers on his future.

The takeaway

The Steelers' quarterback situation has been in flux since Roethlisberger's retirement, and Rodgers' decision will have a major impact on the team's plans for the 2026 season. The organization is eager to get clarity, but will have to be patient as the veteran QB weighs his options.