Mark Kaboly thinks Aaron Rodgers has heard Art Rooney II and will comply. Rooney set an expectation for Rodgers to make a decision about his 2026 plans by the NFL Draft, which is less than two weeks away, and Kaboly thinks Pittsburgh Steelers won’t have to wait a second longer.
“This is my new prediction,” Kaboly told 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller. “This isn’t any insider knowledge. They have their first on-field practice the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday before the draft. I think he will be there.”
Because the franchise has a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, the Steelers are permitted to hold a three-day, voluntary veteran minicamp to get a jump-start on the new scheme and system. That begins Monday, April 20, and runs through Wednesday, April 22. Kaboly thinks Rodgers will be there for those workouts.
He admits it’s not based on inside information and when pressed by Mueller to explain his rationale, Kaboly didn’t offer a convincing answer. But he was confident enough to make such a prediction. Kaboly’s been consistent in believing Rodgers will eventually sign and likely with a raise, though nothing close to the $30 million Charlie Batch has speculated.
Kaboly’s take is especially interesting given Rodgers’ documented history of disliking offseason workouts One reason why he waited so long before joining the Steelers last year was to skip Pittsburgh’s voluntary OTA practices, only signing just in time for the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp. Reporting for voluntary minicamp doesn’t jive with Rodgers’ history, but if he’s in town to sign a contract, it’s logical for him to attend practice.
McCarthy could limit Rodgers’ reps to give Mason Rudolph and Will Howard more time. Rodgers knows McCarthy’s system well and doesn’t need spring snaps to prove it.
The clock is ticking. If Kaboly’s prediction comes true, Rodgers will make his decision official in 10 days. Whether it’s the right or wrong decision for the health of the franchise, it would provide finality for Pittsburgh’s 2026 quarterback picture and put to rest a tired storyline as the city hosts the draft just days later.