The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to wait for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to decide on his future for the 2026 season. With Organized Team Activities (OTAs) scheduled to start on May 18, team officials and observers anticipate a resolution soon. Former players and beat writers suggest impatience may be growing within the organization.
Aaron Rodgers, a free agent after leading the Steelers to 10 wins and a division title in 2025 despite wrist fractures, has kept his plans unclear. The team placed a rare right-of-first-refusal tag on him on April 28, allowing them to match any offer from another team and securing a potential $15 million salary. Steelers president Art Rooney II expects a decision before the NFL Draft passed without one, and now attention turns to upcoming workouts, according to reports from the Post-Gazette cited by Steelers Depot on May 4, 2026. Gerry Dulac wrote that the team's 'saint-like patience' could be wearing thin after missed deadlines, potentially leading to frustration if unresolved by OTAs or mandatory minicamp on June 2. Head coach Mike McCarthy, Rodgers' former Green Bay coordinator, maintains weekly contact and describes him as 'in a very positive space,' though he favors reps for young QBs like Will Howard and Drew Allar during spring sessions. Former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib predicted on The Arena that Rodgers will sign by May 18, stating, 'If you’re trying to win, he’s not gonna pull up in July... You gotta pull up and establish some type of cohesiveness in May.' Matt Hasselbeck, speaking on FS1’s The Herd after the draft, said Steelers players are 'fully counting' on Rodgers to return and pursue a Lombardi Trophy. New receiver Michael Pittman Jr. expects to catch passes from the four-time MVP, telling Kay Adams, 'I think that he wants to play. ... He's a beast.' Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo highlighted May 18 and June 2 as key dates, noting the value of offseason chemistry with additions like Germie Bernard and Rico Dowdle replacing Kenneth Gainwell.
