Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 28, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Mike McCarthy, Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers have said this offseason that they’re waiting on Aaron Rodgers to decide if he wants to run it back in black and gold. The four-time Associated Press NFL MVP didn’t give any indication about his plans when he appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday, but a closer listen point to the Steelers’ true intentions.
“I wanna say that anybody on here who is expecting me to make some big decision, just turn it off now. Just leave,” Rodgers said. “What are we, sitting here, it’s March 4. Free agency starts in a week. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my wife. We went on a ski trip, just been laying low. There’s a lot of other things going on.
“I’ve talked to Mike, I’ve talked to Omar. There’s been no deadline 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. I think there’s conversations to be had down the line, but right now, there hasn’t been any progressive conversations.”
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 12, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Last year, as Rodgers waited to choose, there was an offer on the table. He took until June to join the team, but Khan said last week at the NFL Scouting Combine that he doesn’t expect the same this time around.
If the Steelers haven’t extended a hand to Rodgers, it’s possible they’re weighing their signal-caller options elsewhere. Malik Willis is one of the hottest names on the open market, while another retread, Mac Jones, could be up for bidding via trade.
As of last week, Khan hadn’t ruled anything out. Steelers decision-makers formally met with four quarterbacks in Indianapolis, including Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Penn State’s Drew Allar.
“I think right now, I’d say all options are on the table,” Khan said. “I’ll say this. We’d certainly welcome Aaron back. It was a really good experience with him. I really enjoyed getting to know him and he was great to have around. But the reality is we’re all searching for that next guy, that next 10-15 year guy. I guess right now, all options are on the table.”
Of course, there is the possibility that the Steelers will talk numbers after Rodgers makes up his mind, but the door is open for another team — such as the Minnesota Vikings — to enter the fold for his services.
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