Pittsburgh Steelers officials are not frustrated with Aaron Rodgers taking time to decide on returning to the team, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter. Schefter shared this update on The Pat McAfee Show, noting expectations for a resolution before the NFL Draft. The team remains patient despite delays.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on The Pat McAfee Show that the Steelers are not frustrated by Aaron Rodgers' ongoing decision process regarding his future with the team. At the NFL Combine in late February, general manager Omar Khan indicated he did not anticipate the deliberation extending as long as last season, when Rodgers signed just before mandatory minicamp in June. However, Schefter noted that while the timeline has stretched beyond initial internal expectations of 30 days or mid-March, the organization remains calm. Art Rooney II, the team's owner, has stated they expect a decision before the NFL Draft, which starts next week. Schefter quoted insiders who anticipated quicker resolutions but emphasized, “They’re not frustrated. I just think people thought there would be an answer. [...] Now we have Rooney saying we should have an answer before the draft. We gonna have an answer? I don’t know, wait and see.” The Steelers have expressed positivity about quarterback Will Howard, their 2025 sixth-round pick, whom coach Mike McCarthy rates highly. Howard could serve as an internal option if Rodgers retires, potentially influencing draft plans. Most indicators suggest Rodgers will return, benefiting Howard through mentorship from the veteran. The new coaching staff, familiar with Rodgers from his Green Bay days, maintains contact with him.
