Steelers Await Aaron Rodgers' Decision Ahead of NFL Draft

Former Steeler Joe Haden says Rodgers is in no rush to make a call on his future.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:09pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in Picasso's cubist style, depicting a football player in motion with sharp, overlapping planes of black, gold, and gray, representing the uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' quarterback situation.The Steelers' quarterback conundrum takes on a fragmented, cubist form as they await Aaron Rodgers' decision on his NFL future.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting to see if 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return for the 2026 season. Rodgers led the team to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title last year on a one-year contract. Steelers owner Art Rooney II expects a decision from Rodgers before the NFL draft, but former Steeler Joe Haden says Rodgers is in no rush and doesn't have to answer to anyone.

Why it matters

The Steelers' quarterback situation for the 2026 season hinges on whether Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, decides to play another year or retire. If Rodgers leaves, the team will have to turn to veteran Mason Rudolph or second-year pro Will Howard to lead the offense.

The details

Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers before the 2025 season. He completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Steelers made the playoffs but lost in the wild-card round. New head coach Mike McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Rodgers in Green Bay, is in communication with the quarterback about his future plans.

  • The Steelers opened voluntary workouts on April 7, 2026.
  • The NFL draft is scheduled to begin on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old quarterback who led the Steelers to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title in 2025 while playing on a one-year contract.

Mike McCarthy

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

Art Rooney II

The owner and team president of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Joe Haden

A retired cornerback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mason Rudolph

A veteran quarterback on the Steelers' roster who could take over if Rodgers retires.

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What they’re saying

“'You're not forcing me to tell you what I want to do. You can expect the answer as much as you want. But that's A-Rod. We know how he moves. … He don't gotta answer you.'”

— Joe Haden, Retired Steelers cornerback

“'The Steelers haven't offered him nothing, so he doesn't have anything to turn down. Steelers, if you want to get an answer, throw that man a deal, throw him an offer. Now you can say, 'Something's on the table. We've sent something out to A-Rod. Now it's up to him to give us an answer before the draft.' 'Cause I'm like, time's a tickin'.'”

— Joe Haden, Retired Steelers cornerback

“'I'm not going to really get into timelines. Talked to him last night. So I mean, so we're in a good space and we'll just continue to work through it.'”

— Mike McCarthy, Steelers head coach

What’s next

The Steelers will wait to see if Rodgers makes a decision on his future before the NFL draft on April 23, 2026.

The takeaway

The Steelers' quarterback situation for the 2026 season remains uncertain as they await a decision from veteran Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers retires, the team will have to turn to less experienced options like Mason Rudolph and Will Howard to lead the offense.