New timeline for Aaron Rodgers, Steelers decision emerges

A recent report indicated that outsiders would learn that Aaron Rodgers would be returning to serve as the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback for the 2026 season "before free agency."

The "legal tampering" portion of free agency has come and gone, and Rodgers officially hit the open market at the start of the new league year on Wednesday. The future Hall of Famer can now sign with any team, and it sounds like he may take some time before he confirms his plans for the upcoming campaign. 

When do Steelers expect a decision from Aaron Rodgers amid free agency? 

"My understanding was Aaron Rodgers had planned to inform these Steelers of his decision at some point before the draft with plenty of time," NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said during Thursday's edition of the "Good Morning Football" program, per Jacob Punturi of Sports Illustrated. "I would say likely end of this month." 

History shows that the "likely" portion of Rapoport's update may have been doing some heavy lifting. Last offseason, Rodgers waited until June to put pen to paper on a one-year, team-friendly contract to join the Steelers. 

Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan insisted during this year's NFL scouting combine that he did not "foresee" the latest Rodgers-related saga "going like it did" in 2025, but it's clear those comments guaranteed nothing about the club's current quarterback situation. 

Steelers, Aaron Rodgers don't have a ton of options

The Steelers watched as quarterbacks such as Malik Willis, Tua Tagovailoa and Geno Smith either completed moves to different teams or reportedly agreed to terms on contracts with other clubs. It seems just about every NFL reporter expects the Minnesota Vikings will soon sign Kyler Murray. Pittsburgh allegedly has no interest in Kirk Cousins, and it appears that the Arizona Cardinals will be holding onto veteran Jacoby Brissett. 

Additionally, reports have suggested that Steelers sources have told any local reporters who will listen that the club is fine if longtime backup Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round draft pick Will Howard are the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart when springtime workouts get underway in April. 

One wonders if Steelers fans will still be waiting to learn of Rodgers' decision at that time.