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Former Pittsburgh Steelers DB Rod Woodson.
The days continue to roll by without a single word on whether Aaron Rodgers will be returning to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026.
Rodgers has had until the end of the Steelers’ season-ending loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round to make his decision, yet all he’s given anybody, on record at least, is what he told Pat McAfee on March 4.
“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,” Rodgers said. “I’m a free agent and, again, I’m enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason.”
Despite free agency in full swing and the 2026 NFL Draft approaching in over a month, the Steelers are hoping to receive some sort of answer — and quickly — even if they aren’t saying it publicly.
One Steelers legend says he wishes Rodgers would go ahead and make up his mind.
Steelers Legend Urges Team Not To Wait On Aaron Rodgers Decision
Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show on March 17, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Steelers defensive back Rod Woodson made his thoughts clear on the situation between Rodgers and Pittsburgh.
“Is he going to play? I… listen, I get kind of tired of it. Like, listen, if he’s going to play, say he’s going to play, he’s going to come back. The team shouldn’t wait for Aaron Rodgers. They need to move forward,” Woodson said.
Eisen then explained that Rodgers told McAfee that there was no contract currently placed in front of him. To which Woodson replied, “Him and his ex-coach aren’t that tight?”
That, of course, would be new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers. During his introductory press conference with Pittsburgh, McCarthy said he would welcome Rodgers’ return.
So, why the hold up? How long does Rodgers need?
Those are questions Steelers fans continue to ask daily.
Rod Woodson Points To Steelers Draft Misstep At QB
Woodson also suggested the Steelers may have put themselves in this position with their draft approach last year. The former Super Bowl champion believes Pittsburgh missed an opportunity to secure its future quarterback.
“Last year, Rich, they should have took Jaxson Dart. He fell to them,” Woodson said. “It was the best opportunity for them to take a quarterback who has that swag that kind of fit into that Steeler mold and that Steeler culture and have that standard and they took the defensive tackle.
“So now what are they looking for? They’re looking for the quarterback of the future still.”
Dart ultimately landed with the New York Giants at No. 25 overall after a trade-up, while the Steelers selected defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21.
Eisen then asked Woodson if Rodgers was still the answer for 2026.
“I would think it’s going to be something similar to last year where I think they have a deal in play,” Woodson said. “He can say he doesn’t have a physical contract in front of him. Maybe they’ve talked about it and then they maybe need to hash out the terms of the contract for a one-year deal.
“Maybe so, but it doesn’t seem like the Steelers are really moving in any direction to get a quarterback. Or maybe they’re that intrigued with Will Howard that he’s going to be that guy if Aaron doesn’t come into the building.”
For now, the Steelers remain in limbo — waiting on Rodgers while questions about their long-term plan at quarterback continue to grow.
Shane Shoemaker Shane Shoemaker is a sports journalist covering college football and the NFL for Heavy.com. His work has also appeared in The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, USA TODAY, and ClutchPoints, along with high school sports coverage for the Marion Tribune. More about Shane Shoemaker
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