Steelers' Patrick Queen offers concerning update on future of Aaron Rodgers

As recently as Tuesday, NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN insisted that "people still are expecting" that Aaron Rodgers will soon re-sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers so that he can be their starting quarterback later this year. 

It sounds like those who shared the Steelers' locker room with Rodgers this past season aren't entirely sure that's the case. 

Patrick Queen: Aaron Rodgers returning to Steelers is "50-50"

During a Tuesday appearance on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" program, Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen addressed whether or not he could imagine Rodgers choosing to retire instead of playing for Pittsburgh this coming fall. 

"I can and can't (imagine it), like it's 50-50," Queen explained, per Eric Edholm of the NFL's website. "He's older. He's experienced a lot. He did a lot. He doesn't really owe the game anything. But at the same time, I think the competitor in him definitely wants to get back out on the field. Especially how last year ended, I know he just wants to get back from that. I couldn't imagine what's going through his mind. At the end of the day, it's his decision. I respect whatever he does. But definitely would love to have him back."

Rodgers had a fourth-quarter fumble and a fourth-quarter interception returned for touchdowns during what became a blowout 30-6 wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans in January. The Pittsburgh offense produced zero touchdown drives at Acrisure Stadium that evening, and Rodgers largely looked like a shell of his former great self as he took four sacks in the defeat. 

Patrick Queen knows what Aaron Rodgers will need if he returns to Steelers

Queen suggested that he and his teammates realize that the Steelers won't be getting the version of Rodgers that earned MVP honors on four occasions if the future Hall of Famer signs another one-year contract with the club. 

"We all know him," Queen added. "We all love him. He knows how to win. We just gotta be better for him, get the ball back to him more times, so we can have more chances to go down there and score." 

For such scenarios to be possible, Rodgers first needs to put pen to paper on a deal with the Steelers. People within the organization reportedly are "not frustrated" that Rodgers is still a free agent, but that could change if he doesn't confirm his plans for the 2026 season before the upcoming draft gets underway on April 23.