Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting for free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to decide on his future as the 2026 season approaches. Former Steelers great Rod Woodson expressed frustration with the delay, urging the team to move forward. The team has limited quarterback options, including sixth-round pick Will Howard and Mason Rudolph.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation remains unresolved as Aaron Rodgers, who turns 42 this year, has not committed to returning for the 2026 season. Rodgers signed a one-year incentives-laced deal with the Steelers last summer and led them to a 10-7 record and their first AFC North division title since 2020, reaching the playoffs. However, in a recent interview on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers stated there is 'no deadline' and he is still deciding while staying in shape, after initially planning 2025 as his last year following stints with the New York Jets and Steelers success last fall. New coach Mike McCarthy, who previously coached Rodgers to a Super Bowl win with the Green Bay Packers and multiple MVPs, has called him a 'great asset' and spoken to him this offseason. Steelers legend and Hall of Famer Rod Woodson voiced impatience on The Rich Eisen Show: 'Is he gonna play? Listen, I get kinda tired of it... They need to move forward.' Woodson compared Rodgers' indecision to Brett Favre's past delays. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo reported the Steelers 'truly don't know' Rodgers' plans but hope he returns, though his absence could allow evaluation of rookie Will Howard or a high 2027 draft pick. Howard, a sixth-round selection in 2025 from Ohio State, sat out last season due to injury but has drawn praise from team leadership including McCarthy, Art Rooney II, and even Rodgers. Analyst Andrew Siciliano cautioned against 'overhyping a sixth-round pick,' noting few such quarterbacks succeed as starters. Veteran Mason Rudolph is also under contract on a two-year deal. ESPN's Chris Canty expressed confidence in the position under McCarthy, citing his track record of solid quarterback play. Former Steeler Joe Haden preferred Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders over Pittsburgh's current options. The Steelers skipped top free agent quarterbacks like Malik Willis and Kyler Murray, leaving alternatives such as Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, or draft prospects like Ty Simpson if Rodgers retires.
