Aaron Rodgers' Uncertain Timeline for Steelers Decision

Veteran QB remains a free agent as Steelers prepare for 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of muted earth tones and pops of bright color, conveying the uncertainty and complexity of the Steelers' quarterback situation.The Steelers' quarterback situation remains in flux as they await a decision from veteran free agent Aaron Rodgers.Today in Pittsburgh

Four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not yet committed to signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season, leaving the team's quarterback situation uncertain heading into the upcoming draft. Steelers general manager Omar Khan has indicated the team hopes to have Rodgers under contract by the time OTAs begin in mid-May, but Rodgers has not set a firm timeline for making his decision.

Why it matters

The Steelers are in need of a starting quarterback after veteran Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard are currently the only QBs on the roster. Rodgers' decision will have a major impact on the team's draft strategy and plans for the upcoming season.

The details

Rodgers, 42, remains a free agent after playing the 2025 season with the Steelers on a one-year contract. He has indicated he is in no rush to make a decision, telling reporters he has had discussions with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy and GM Omar Khan but has not received a contract offer. The Steelers hold the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but with a weak quarterback class, they may need to rely on Rodgers or develop Howard if he is not signed by then.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
  • Steelers GM Omar Khan said he hopes to have Rodgers under contract by the time OTAs begin in mid-May.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old four-time NFL MVP quarterback who played for the Steelers on a one-year contract in 2025 and remains a free agent.

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mason Rudolph

A veteran backup quarterback currently on the Steelers' roster.

Will Howard

A 2025 sixth-round draft pick of the Steelers who is currently the only other quarterback on the team's roster.

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What they’re saying

“I would say I have no anticipation right now that Aaron Rodgers is going to announce anything prior to the draft. I know that [Steelers owner] Art Rooney had indicated that they hoped it would be around then. I have not been told that. I don't think that that's really a deadline from the Steelers' perspective.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Insider

“Really, the important thing for Pittsburgh is having Rodgers there by the time OTAs kick off in mid-May, so he's out there on the grass actually practicing with the team. Now, it's Rodgers. We all know that he does unexpected things sometimes. I would say attending the NFL draft is probably not high on Aaron Rodgers' bucket list.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Insider

“I've talked to [Steelers head coach] Mike [McCarthy]. I've talked to Omar. There's been no deadline that's been put in front of me. There's no contract offer or anything, so there's nothing that I'm having to debate between. I'm a free agent, and I'm enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason.”

— Aaron Rodgers

What’s next

The Steelers will continue contract negotiations with Rodgers in the coming weeks, with the goal of having him under contract by the time OTAs begin in mid-May. If Rodgers does not sign by the 2026 NFL Draft, the team will need to explore other options at quarterback, either through the draft or by signing a free agent.

The takeaway

Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future with the Steelers creates a challenging situation for the team as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Steelers are in need of a starting quarterback, and Rodgers' decision will have a major impact on their draft strategy and plans for the upcoming season.