Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II said Aaron Rodgers promised a quicker decision on his future than last year. Rooney expects an answer before the NFL Draft, which the Steelers are hosting. The comments highlight the team's desire to focus the event on the city.
Art Rooney II, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, revealed details from recent conversations with Aaron Rodgers. 'When I talked to him, and Omar [Khan] talked to him, he told us he wasn’t going to take as long this year as he did last year [to make a decision],' Rooney told Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac. 'I’m not 100% sure what that means, but I expect something before the draft.' Dulac first reported the comments on Sunday, April 4, 2026. Rooney noted that in 2025, Rodgers did not sign his contract until June 6, just before mandatory minicamp. General manager Omar Khan and coach Mike McCarthy have confirmed regular communication with Rodgers, but no contract offer has been made, as Rodgers has yet to decide his plans for 2026. Rodgers did not share specifics about talks with Pittsburgh during his appearance on the Pat McAfee show. The Steelers are set to host the NFL Draft for the first time since 1948, an event Rooney has long wanted for the city. CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones explained the urgency: 'The Steelers want the QB question settled before the focus shifts on the city for the event.' With the draft less than three weeks away, Rooney hopes to avoid media distractions from the Rodgers saga during the three-day weekend. Pittsburgh last hosted in December 1947, selecting quarterback Bobby Layne, who refused to play and was traded.
