When will Aaron Rodgers give the Steelers an answer about playing in 2026?<\/p>\n
The Steelers seem relatively confident Aaron Rodgers will play this season, and play for the, but when will they know? With the new league year right around the corner, I\u2019m sure they\u2019re growing impatient, if they don\u2019t already know. It\u2019s possible that they have more than a pretty good idea, and maybe even a timeline, but we certainly don\u2019t.<\/p>\n
The Steelers had a good experience with Aaron Rodgers last year, and vice versa, according to both sides. Although they changed up the coaching staff, the new boss is the same as the old boss. Pittsburgh hired Aaron Rodgers\u2019 former head coach, Mike McCarthy, who is already on record as wanting him back. In fact, he\u2019s made it clear that they have been in regular communication.<\/p>\n
The closest to a hint we\u2019ve gotten was Steelers GM Omar Khan saying he doesn\u2019t think it will be like last offseason when Aaron Rodgers signed just before the start of mandatory minicamp. We\u2019re talking more than two months from now, though, so it could be any point in between.<\/p>\n
With a relatively weak draft class, the Steelers probably want to know Rodgers\u2019 status now. Are they comfortable entering a season with Mason Rudolph or Will Howard as their starting quarterback options? If not, then they would probably want to pursue an external veteran, either through free agency or trade.<\/p>\n
The clock is ticking, though. Of course we don\u2019t know everything the team knows, so all of this could be moot by now. But unless or until Aaron Rodgers signs a contract with the Steelers, this is not over. If they knew Rodgers would not be returning, might they actually pursue Malik Willis? Would they kick the tires on somebody like Anthony Richardson or Kyle Murray\u2014or perhaps Tua Tagovailoa? What about a trade option, namely Mac Jones from the 49ers?<\/p>\n
The Steelers exited the playoffs in the first round yet again, a pattern going back to 2017. With seven consecutive postseason losses<\/a>, and no wins in nearly a decade, they are facing another long, long offseason. No doubt we will see many changes, but none will top Mike Tomlin resigning.<\/p>\n