Art Rooney II expects Aaron Rodgers to make decision on Steelers future by NFL Draft

For the second straight offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ biggest question is at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is again weighing his future with the franchise, and owner Art Rooney II thinks a decision could come within the next month.

Speaking at the league meetings this week, Rooney said he expects Rodgers to make a call by the NFL Draft. Pittsburgh will host the event April 23-25 and has the No. 21 overall pick in the first round.

New Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said he has spoken to Rodgers multiple times since taking the job, and Rooney confirmed the two are in regular contact. Based on his conversations with McCarthy, Rooney told reporters he thinks Rodgers could make a decision in the near future.

“I have not talked to [Rodgers],” Rooney said. “Coach has been in contact with him pretty regularly. I think a decision is probably coming soon.”

Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last year and helped them to the playoffs. But at age 42, retirement could very well be in the cards, and there were some cryptic hints late in the 2025 season.

Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan said at the NFL Scouting Combine that the “door’s open” for Rodgers to make his return in 2026, and McCarthy said this week he has had productive conversations with the quarterback.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said there’s a “cautious optimism” around the Steelers organization that Rodgers will return next year. Pittsburgh also has Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster, but the relationship with McCarthy from their time with the Green Bay Packers is another reason why Rodgers could opt to run it back.

“The situation is he and Mike McCarthy have been talking on a regular basis. That would lead people to think, if they’re talking that often, why are they even talking if Aaron Rodgers is not serious about coming back? That would tell you that obviously he’s strongly entertaining the idea of coming back to the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Schefter said Tuesday. “And I think everyone right now within the Steelers organization is cautiously optimistic he’ll be back. We never fully know with Aaron Rodgers, but that much activity and conversations, and talking about what the future could look like is clearly an indication that he’s serious about playing (again).

“My understanding also is it has nothing to do with a contract that should not be difficult to work out. This is Aaron Rodgers waiting to announce whether he will or he won’t play. And, again, I think it’s a positive that he’s as in touch with Mike McCarthy as he has been recently.”