Steelers Set Deadline For Aaron Rodgers, 2026 Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 8:17 PM ET

Time is running out for Aaron Rodgers to decide if he wants to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Although his first season with the Steelers didn't end in him winning another Super Bowl ring, Rodgers proved that he can still play at a high level. The future Hall of Famer completed 65.7% of his past attempts last season for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

The Steelers have made it known they want Rodgers back, but he hasn't announced his plans for the 2026 season.

While at the NFL's annual league meeting, Steelers owner Art Rooney II suggested that a final decision from Rodgers will come soon.

"I have not talked to him. Coach [McCarthy] has been in contact with him pretty regularly," Rooney told ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I think a decision is probably coming soon."

How soon will a decision be made? Well, Rooney expects an answer from Rodgers by the start of the NFL Draft, which is on April 23.

Will Aaron Rodgers return to Pittsburgh?

While at the NFL's annual meeting this Tuesday, McCarthy made it known that he's confident Rodgers will be his starting quarterback. They had an excellent run together on the Green Bay Packers.

"I'm confident," McCarthy said, via Pro Football Talk. "But at the end of the day, it’s a personal decision. I think we’re in a good space."

In the rare event Rodgers retires this offseason, Pittsburgh may have to start Will Howard at quarterback. Of course, the front office could also target a rookie like Ty Simpson.

“I like Will Howard – I don’t like Will Howard as much as Ty Simpson. I don’t even think they’re in the same stratosphere as far as their ability to throw the football. I think Ty Simpson is a guy who, right now, based upon how the season ended – and we’ve talked about it a lot and we’re going to be talking about it a lot more,” ESPN analyst Louis Riddick said, via On3. “Based upon how the latter half of the season ended, which wasn’t all on him. The guy was banged up, offensive line is very inconsistent, the running game is nonexistent and the wide receiver corps was up-and-down from week to week. And then, he turns it around in the playoffs against Oklahoma and brings his team back from a 17-point deficit. He’s tailor-made for Mike McCarthy’s system – and Mike has coached some good quarterbacks.”

For now though, it sounds like Rodgers will be back in Pittsburgh for at least one more season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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