Steelers’ Latest Projection Could Impact Aaron Rodgers Decision

As another day passes without resolution, Aaron Rodgers has yet to reveal his plans for the upcoming NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the 2026 NFL Draft now just over a week away, the uncertainty surrounding the veteran quarterback is creating a layer of intrigue for the franchise and its decision-making process.

The Steelers, similar to other teams around the league, are weighing various strategies as they prepare for the draft. Rodgers’ eventual choice will likely influence how the organization approaches its selections, potentially shifting priorities in real time.

“We all believe he is going to be back, but he still hasn’t given an answer. So if he hasn’t given them an answer by the time the draft starts next week, do the Pittsburgh Steelers at some point in time draft a quarterback? … It’s kind of an interesting, little question that’s sitting there until No. 8 weighs in,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said.

Rodgers essentially holds significant sway over the direction of the Steelers’ 2026 campaign. Should he delay his decision beyond the draft, Pittsburgh might look for creative ways to appeal to him through strategic additions, particularly by strengthening the wide receiver group that could complement his skill set.

During the previous season, even at age 41, Rodgers maximized the resources available to him in Pittsburgh. He elevated running back Kenneth Gainwell’s role by effectively utilizing his talents as a receiver out of the backfield. Meanwhile, DK Metcalf emerged as the standout pass-catcher, dominating the receiving statistics for the team.

Beyond those key contributors, however, the supporting cast remained relatively thin. In response, the Steelers have already taken steps to improve the position by acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts via trade. This move sets the stage for further enhancements through the upcoming draft.

One prominent mock draft from Sports Illustrated’s Noah Strackbein envisions the Steelers selecting Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with their first-round pick at No. 21 overall. This choice would come after other notable prospects like Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, and Jordyn Tyson are selected elsewhere.

“If they are, the Steelers will feel very comfortable with Boston as their first-round selection,” Strackbein said. “The big-bodied pass-catcher with strong hands and physical dominance joins a mix of DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., giving Pittsburgh the toughest wide receiver core in the NFL. Something they’ll be proud of and run to the opportunity to do.”

Boston would represent a substantial upgrade on his own, adding size, reliability, and physicality to the receiving corps. Yet Strackbein’s projection doesn’t end with that single addition, highlighting the team’s broader opportunities across multiple rounds.

With a total of 12 picks in the draft and five selections coming within the first three rounds, the Steelers possess notable flexibility. In this scenario, they trade up in the second round to land Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez at No. 35. They then circle back to the wide receiver position in the third round, choosing Georgia’s Zachariah Branch at No. 53.

“Double-dipping at wide receiver is likely on Pittsburgh’s agenda as well,” Strackbein said. “This team needs to make sure they take advantage of a deep wide receiver class and have done their homework on the mid-round options after the big names are off the board.”

Should the Steelers follow through on such an aggressive plan to bolster their offense and Rodgers still opts against returning once the draft concludes, it might represent the final missed opportunity to convince him. The franchise would then face a dramatically altered outlook heading into the new season, with or without their potential starting quarterback.