Aaron Rodgers: No Steelers Talks, 2026 Decision Still Open | NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains undecided about his future, stating he hasn’t made a decision on whether he’ll play in . The veteran quarterback also indicated there have been no substantive contract discussions with the Steelers to date.
Speaking with Pat McAfee on Wednesday, Rodgers was direct about his current status. “I’ve talked to [coach] Mike [McCarthy], I’ve talked to Omar [Khan],” Rodgers said. “There’s been no deadline that’s been, you know, 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, again, I’m enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason and, you know, I think there’s conversations to be had down the line, but right now, I’m not — there hasn’t been any progressive conversations.”
Rodgers expressed continued respect for McCarthy, noting their long-standing relationship. “You know, I love Mike, and Mike and I have kept in contact over the years. I’ve had conversations with Omar. I really — I think Omar, you know, enjoyed having me there. I think the guys had a positive response to our time together. But again, there hasn’t been any deadline set on me. There hasn’t been any contract, you know, floated in front of me for me to like, well, ‘We’re giving you ‘til, you know, March the 8th to make a decision on this contract.’ There’s been nothing to that respect.”
The situation echoes last year’s timeline, when Rodgers didn’t join the Steelers until . He decided to play for Pittsburgh, but the delay allowed the team to manage potential distractions. The Steelers reportedly determined that having Rodgers absent during the voluntary offseason program was preferable to his presence creating an ongoing public narrative about his decision.
The Steelers’ pursuit of Rodgers in didn’t begin until after Justin Fields signed with the New York Jets. Prior to Fields’ departure, the Steelers were focused on either re-signing Fields or Russell Wilson, but not both. When Fields became unavailable, they turned to Rodgers as a Plan B, and simultaneously brought back Mason Rudolph as a short-term option while awaiting a decision from the veteran quarterback.
Currently, Rudolph and Will Howard are the Steelers’ quarterbacks, with a continued willingness to wait for Rodgers. The team appears prepared to avoid pursuing other veteran options if they remain hopeful of Rodgers’ return. However, the possibility of bringing back Fields on a more affordable deal if he becomes available after being released by the Jets is also being considered.
Rodgers himself acknowledged he has other options, stating he believes he’ll have at least one. He didn’t specify which teams might be interested, but suggested he’s aware of potential opportunities. “He didn’t spontaneously blurt out the fact that he’s a free agent. He knows he can move anywhere. Whether and to what extent anyone else pursues him next week will become a factor,” according to reporting on the situation.
The coming weeks will be crucial. The start of NFL free agency will bring clarity to the quarterback market, and the Steelers will likely assess their options based on Rodgers’ decision. The team will demand to determine whether to pursue other veteran quarterbacks or continue to develop their existing roster. The situation with Justin Fields, should he become available, will also be a key factor.
Rodgers’ pattern suggests he may delay a final decision to minimize his involvement in the voluntary offseason program. This approach allows him to maintain flexibility and avoid being under contract before he’s fully prepared to commit. The Steelers, having navigated this situation once before, appear willing to adopt a similar strategy, at least for the time being.
As the league’s legal tampering period approaches on , the Steelers and the rest of the NFL will be watching Rodgers’ situation closely. His decision will have significant implications for the Steelers’ quarterback room and the broader landscape of the league’s quarterback market.