Steelers Await Rodgers' Draft Decision as Deadline Looms

Quarterback's indecision leaves Pittsburgh's offseason plans in limbo.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of black, gold, and white, representing the uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' quarterback situation.The Steelers' offseason plans remain in flux as they await a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers on his future.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason plans remain in flux as they await a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers on whether he will return for another season or retire. Steelers owner Art Rooney II had urged Rodgers to announce his plans before the upcoming NFL Draft, but NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports there is no indication Rodgers will do so. The Steelers have the 21st overall pick and could look to address their quarterback situation, but Rodgers' uncertain future is complicating their draft strategy.

Why it matters

The Steelers' entire offseason hinges on Rodgers' decision, as they must determine whether to pursue a quarterback in the draft or move forward with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard if Rodgers retires. Rodgers' indecisiveness is putting the Steelers in a difficult position as they try to build their roster for the upcoming season.

The details

Steelers owner Art Rooney II had hoped Rodgers would announce his plans before the NFL Draft, which is just days away. However, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports he has no anticipation that Rodgers will make a decision anytime soon. The Steelers have several needs to address on their roster, and they may not feel comfortable taking a quarterback like Ty Simpson in the first round given his physical limitations and limited experience.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 27.
  • Steelers owner Art Rooney II had urged Rodgers to announce his decision before the draft.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

Veteran quarterback who is considering retirement or a return to the NFL.

Art Rooney II

Owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mason Rudolph

Quarterback currently on the Steelers' roster.

Will Howard

Quarterback currently on the Steelers' roster.

Ty Simpson

Quarterback prospect who could be an option for the Steelers in the draft.

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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 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

What’s next

The Steelers will need to monitor Rodgers' decision-making process and be prepared to adjust their draft strategy accordingly. If Rodgers retires, the Steelers may look to address their quarterback position earlier in the draft.

The takeaway

Aaron Rodgers' indecision is once again putting the Steelers in a difficult position as they try to build their roster for the upcoming season. The team's entire offseason plans hinge on Rodgers' decision, and his lack of clarity is complicating the Steelers' draft strategy.