Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers Shares Steelers Update Before NFL Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 11:23 AM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to become a free agent next week when the NFL league year opens Wednesday, March 11, at 4 p.m. ET.

Rodgers put on a strong season with the Steelers in 2025, appearing in 16 regular-season games and connecting on 327 passes (65.7% completion rate) for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions.

The veteran signal caller led Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record, with the Steelers earning a spot in the NFL playoffs but ultimately losing 30-6 to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.

Already 42 years old, Rodgers appeared on 'The Pat McAfee Show' on Wednesday to address speculation about his future in the NFL and, particularly, with the Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at Acrisure Stadium.Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Rodgers hinted at his return to the league in 2026, but he made clear he has not been presented with a contract or any timeline for a decision from Pittsburgh.

“I’ve talked to Mike (McCarthy). I’ve talked to Omar (Khan),” Rodgers said. “There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me. There’s no contract offer or anything, so there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between. I’m a free agent, and I’m enjoying my time with my wife and this part of the offseason.”

Rodgers added that his discussions with the Steelers have not advanced beyond preliminary contact.

“There’s conversations to be had down the line, but right now, there have not been any progressive conversations,” Rodgers said.

"I've talked to Mike and I've talked to Omar..

I'm enjoying the offseason and there's conversations to be had down the line..

There's hasn't been any deadlines or contracts"@AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/tfbXHWz6du
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 4, 2026

While leaving his options open, Rodgers made it clear he admires new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who coached him for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and won Super Bowl XLV together.

“Mike’s one of the great guys in the league,” Rodgers said. “Just an absolutely exceptional human being with a huge heart. Deep down, there’s so much love for Mike and appreciation for the time we spent together.”

Whether he returns to Pittsburgh or not, Rodgers made sure to endorse the Steelers' hire of McCarthy ahead of the 2026 season.

“I don’t think you can do better at this time in this franchise’s history than bringing in a guy like Mike McCarthy,” Rodgers said.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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