Aaron Rodgers could be part of the plan at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the franchise appears likely to enter the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday without a strong indication of whether the 42-year-old plans to play next season.
Rodgers said he’s open to a reunion with former Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who was hired to replace Mike Tomlin as head coach. Steelers general manager Omar Khan implied he would like to know where Rodgers stands before the draft.
“We’ve had some great communication with Aaron,” Khan said in a pre-draft press conference Monday. “Nothing’s changed, but it’s all been positive and good. I said this to you guys in March when we met, he knows how we feel about him and we know how he feels about us.”
Owner Art Rooney II also expected to have a decision on Rodgers before the draft, but NFL Network reported Monday the Steelers continue to wait for something definitive from the veteran quarterback.
Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers after the 2025 draft and pointed to Tomlin as one of the primary motivators for picking Pittsburgh. If he has other available options, the free agent hasn’t tipped his hand.
Rodgers passed for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns in helping lead the Steelers to the AFC North division title in 2025.
McCarthy is reportedly high on former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, who was the QB1 for the Steelers at minicamp on Monday.
The Steelers acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Colts to pair with No. 1 target D.K. Metcalf.
Organized team activities begin in mid-May and the Steelers’ mandatory minicamp is June 2-4.
–Field Level Media
