Steelers Unsure if Rodgers Will Re-Sign or Retire

Pittsburgh players continue voluntary offseason workouts as Rodgers' future remains uncertain.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured football game scene, with sharp planes of black, gold, and white representing the Steelers' colors.The Steelers' quarterback situation remains in flux as they await Rodgers' decision, but the team appears prepared to move forward with its current options.Today in Pittsburgh

According to reports, people within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization are unsure if veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will re-sign with the team for another season or decide to retire. The Steelers are comfortable with their current quarterback depth chart of Mason Rudolph and 2025 rookie Will Howard, and there's no indication the team is frustrated by Rodgers' delayed decision.

Why it matters

The Steelers are in a holding pattern as they await Rodgers' decision, which could significantly impact their plans for the upcoming season. The team's leadership has said they expect to know Rodgers' plans before the 2026 NFL Draft, but the uncertainty has created some lingering questions within the organization.

The details

Steelers legend Jerome Bettis suggested some players may be annoyed that they're participating in voluntary offseason workouts while Rodgers remains unsigned. However, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that people within the Steelers are not frustrated, just eager to get an answer on Rodgers' future. The team appears comfortable with Rudolph and Howard as their top quarterback options for now.

  • Steelers president Art Rooney II expects to learn Rodgers' decision before the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.
  • Last offseason, Rodgers signed with the Steelers right before their mandatory minicamp in June.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback who is considering whether to re-sign with the Steelers or retire.

Jerome Bettis

A Steelers legend and Hall of Fame running back who suggested some players may be annoyed by Rodgers' delayed decision.

Mason Rudolph

The Steelers' longtime backup quarterback who is expected to be one of the team's top options at the position.

Will Howard

The Steelers' 2025 rookie quarterback who is also expected to be a top option at the position.

Art Rooney II

The Steelers' president who has said the team expects to learn Rodgers' decision before the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“They're not frustrated. I just think people thought there would be an answer. I remember asking various people, and they're like, 'We should have an answer within 30 days.' And then 30 days came and went. I'm like, 'Where are we at now?' 'We should have an answer mid-March.' It's mid-March, and we don't have an answer.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider

What’s next

Steelers president Art Rooney II has said the team expects to learn Rodgers' decision before the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.

The takeaway

The Steelers' quarterback situation remains in flux as they await Rodgers' decision, but the team appears prepared to move forward with Rudolph and Howard if Rodgers ultimately decides to retire. The uncertainty has created some lingering questions, but the organization seems comfortable with its current options as it prepares for the upcoming season.