Steelers reportedly expect this Aaron Rodgers 'formal word' soon

The Pittsburgh Steelers did not make a big splash to acquire Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft last week. Instead, Pittsburgh took a flier on developmental prospect Drew Allar out of Penn State in the draft's third round. 

It sounds like those assuming the Steelers' offseason activities show that Aaron Rodgers will return to serve as the club's QB1 this coming season are correct. 

When do Steelers expect to get Aaron Rodgers back?

"The Steelers still have no formal word from aging quarterback Aaron Rodgers about his plans for 2026," NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US wrote for an update shared on Tuesday. "But, there remains a sense within the organization that he will play next season, with formal word anticipated in the coming weeks."

As recently as last week, Steelers president Art Rooney II hinted that Rodgers would re-sign with the club before Pittsburgh begins organized team practice activities in the middle of May. Last offseason, Rodgers didn't sign with the Steelers until right before their mandatory minicamp began in June. 

"It’s clear to Rodgers' representatives that this situation cannot drag all the way to minicamp like it did a year ago before he formally signed with them," La Canfora mentioned. 

Why Steelers seemingly have been confident about Aaron Rodgers decision

New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said back in March that he was "confident" he eventually would have Rodgers atop the depth chart. McCarthy was first Rodgers' head coach when the two were with the Green Bay Packers from 2006 through a portion of the 2018 season. Not long after the Steelers hired McCarthy, Rodgers made it known that he has "so much love for Mike and appreciation for the time we spent together."

"If Rodgers truly intended to retire," La Canfora added, "it’s unlikely he would string out McCarthy, having just taken over a new franchise." 

La Canfora was also sure to note that "the Steelers continue to tread lightly about the topic" because of "how mercurial Rodgers can be." That said, it seems like the latest Rodgers-related offseason saga is nearing its expected conclusion.