Pittsburgh – The question of whether Aaron Rodgers will continue his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers remains unanswered, with a decision expected before the team enters the draft process later this month. The four-time NFL MVP’s future is a key storyline as the league heads into a crucial period of offseason activity.
As April begins, the NFL offseason is gaining momentum, particularly with the upcoming NFL Draft where teams will select collegiate players. All eyes are on Rodgers, who after a season with the Steelers, must decide if he will play in 2026 or retire from professional football.
Steelers President Sets Deadline for Aaron Rodgers
Art Rooney II, owner and president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, recently addressed Rodgers’ situation during an interview with ESPN’s Brooke Pryor at the league’s annual meeting in Phoenix. Rooney indicated that while direct communication with Rodgers has been limited, he anticipates a resolution soon.
“I haven’t talked to [Rodgers],” Rooney stated. “Coach [Mike McCarthy] has been in contact with him regularly. But I think we’ll get an answer pretty soon.”
Rooney specifically stated the team expects to have clarity before the NFL Draft, which begins on April 23rd. “I expect an answer by the draft,” he said, according to ESPN.
This timeline is significant as it forces the Steelers to prepare for multiple scenarios. General Manager Omar Khan has stated that “all options are on the table” when it comes to the quarterback position, including the possibility of drafting a quarterback to compete with or potentially replace Rodgers. Currently, the Steelers’ quarterback room includes 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and veteran backup Mason Rudolph.
Rodgers Weighing His Options
Rodgers spent the 2025 season with the Steelers after a prolonged negotiation period. He led the team to an AFC North division title, throwing for 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, before a wild card round loss to the Houston Texans. The 42-year-old quarterback has been evaluating his options for the upcoming season over the past two months, telling Pat McAfee in an interview on March 4th that he hadn’t received a contract offer.
“There’s no deadline that’s been place in front of me,” Rodgers said. “There’s no contract offer or anything, so there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between. I’m a free agent. … I’m enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason.”
The Steelers’ hope may rest with modern head coach Mike McCarthy. Rooney believes McCarthy’s existing relationship with Rodgers, stemming from their time together with the Green Bay Packers, could be a persuasive factor. McCarthy and Rodgers enjoyed considerable success in Green Bay, including a Super Bowl XLV victory in 2011.
“I love Mike, and Mike and I have kept some contact over the years,” Rodgers said earlier this year, describing McCarthy as “one of the great guys in the league” and an “exceptional human being with a big heart.”
McCarthy confirmed he spoke with Rodgers on Monday night, but did not disclose details of the conversation.
What’s Next for the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers?
The Steelers face a critical decision point. If Rodgers decides to retire, the team will almost certainly prioritize finding a long-term solution at quarterback in the draft. If Rodgers returns, the Steelers will likely focus on strengthening other areas of the roster, potentially adding depth at other positions.
The NFL Draft, hosted in Pittsburgh this year from April 23-25, will be a pivotal event for the Steelers, regardless of Rodgers’ decision. The team will be under intense scrutiny as they navigate the draft process, balancing the necessitate to address immediate needs with the long-term future of the franchise.
As the April 23rd deadline approaches, the football world awaits Rodgers’ decision, which will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Steelers’ trajectory and the broader NFL landscape.
Steelers owner on Aaron Rodgers: ‘I expect an answer’ by NFL draft https://t.co/HnwPEsa9rg https://t.co/HnwPEsa9rg
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 1, 2026
The Steelers will continue evaluating all available options as they prepare for the draft. Fans can expect further updates as the situation develops. Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest news and analysis.
