Steelers Owner Expects Rodgers to Decide NFL Future by Draft

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers weighing return to Pittsburgh for 2026 season

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:49am

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Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II said he expects quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on his NFL future, including a potential return to the Steelers, by the time of the 2026 NFL Draft in late April. Rooney noted that new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has been in regular contact with Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with the team last year and helped them reach the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Steelers' quarterback situation has been a major question mark for the second straight offseason, with the 42-year-old Rodgers weighing retirement or a return to Pittsburgh. His decision will have major implications for the team's roster and plans for the 2026 season.

The details

Rooney said he expects Rodgers to make a call on his future by the time the Steelers host the NFL Draft from April 23-25, where they hold the 21st overall pick in the first round. Rooney noted that McCarthy has been in regular contact with Rodgers since taking the Steelers head coaching job, indicating the two have been discussing Rodgers' potential return. Pittsburgh also has quarterbacks Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster, but Rodgers' history with McCarthy from their time together with the Green Bay Packers is seen as a factor in his potential return.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
  • Rooney expects Rodgers to make a decision on his future by the time of the NFL Draft.

The players

Art Rooney II

The owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers

The 42-year-old quarterback who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last year and helped the team reach the playoffs.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has been in regular contact with Rodgers about his potential return to the team.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who said the 'door's open' for Rodgers to return in 2026.

Will Howard

A quarterback on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster.

Mason Rudolph

A quarterback on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster.

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What they’re saying

“'I have not talked to [Rodgers]. Coach has been in contact with him pretty regularly. I think a decision is probably coming soon.'”

— Art Rooney II, Owner, Pittsburgh Steelers

“'The situation is he and Mike McCarthy have been talking on a regular basis. That would lead people to think, if they're talking that often, why are they even talking if Aaron Rodgers is not serious about coming back? That would tell you that obviously he's strongly entertaining the idea of coming back to the Pittsburgh Steelers.'”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Steelers will host the 2026 NFL Draft from April 23-25, where they hold the 21st overall pick in the first round. Rodgers' decision on his future is expected to come before then.

The takeaway

Aaron Rodgers' decision on whether to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season will have major implications for the team's quarterback situation and roster plans. The regular contact between Rodgers and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy suggests Rodgers is seriously considering a return, but his future remains uncertain until he makes a final decision.