Rodgers decision still pending

Pittsburgh is still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide whether he will play in 2026, even after the Steelers expected an answer weeks ago. (profootballrumors.com) Pro Football Rumors, citing ESPN’s Adam Schefter, reported the Steelers initially expected clarity around mid-February. That timeline slipped past free agency and into April without a decision. (profootballrumors.com) Steelers president Art Rooney II said on March 31 that he expects Rodgers to decide before the 2026 National Football League draft, which begins April 23 in Pittsburgh. Rooney said coach Mike McCarthy has been in regular contact with Rodgers. (steelers.com) (nfl.com) The delay leaves Pittsburgh’s quarterback plan unsettled less than 10 days before the draft. National Football League Media reported the other quarterbacks on the roster are Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard. (nfl.com) This is the second straight offseason in which Pittsburgh has waited on Rodgers. Pro Football Rumors noted Rodgers did not sign with the Steelers until just before mandatory minicamp in 2025, after citing personal reasons for the delay. (profootballrumors.com) The team’s interest is not hard to explain. National Football League Media reported in February that Rodgers completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions during his 2025 season in Pittsburgh. (nfl.com) McCarthy is part of the reason this remains plausible. Pro Football Rumors reported Rodgers, now 42, played his 2025 season in Pittsburgh after a coaching change brought in McCarthy, who coached him for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. (profootballrumors.com) Players are now speaking publicly about the uncertainty. On April 14, linebacker Patrick Queen said, “We have to be better,” while also saying on National Football League Network that Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh felt “50-50.” (steelernation.com) (yardbarker.com) Queen also said Tuesday that he wants Rodgers back and called him “a great dude” and “a great teammate.” For now, the Steelers are still waiting for the answer Rooney said he expects before draft day. (nfl.com) (yardbarker.com)