Is Steelers' patience regarding Aaron Rodgers 'starting to wear thin?'

Multiple reports have hinted that the Pittsburgh Steelers expect quarterback Aaron Rodgers to re-sign with the franchise before the organized team practice activity portion of Pittsburgh's offseason program begins on May 18.

Publicly, people within the Steelers, such as head coach Mike McCarthy and team president Art Rooney II, have indicated they're fine with Rodgers taking his time to declare his intentions for the 2026 campaign. However, Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggested in a piece published on Monday that not everybody within the club is fine with how Rodgers has handled this latest saga. 

Is Aaron Rodgers finally annoying the Steelers by remaining unsigned?

"The Steelers have displayed saint-like patience waiting for Aaron Rodgers to say he is coming back for the 2026 season, even though a large portion of their fan base doesn’t agree with their approach," Dulac wrote. "But that patience could be starting to wear thin. After watching two of their 'expected' deadlines come and go — and insisting this isn’t the same situation as last year — the Steelers might not be so understanding if this drags on for two more weeks. If Rodgers hasn’t given them a decision by the start of organized team activities on May 18 — their latest, uh, deadline — their patience will start to turn into frustration, and maybe something more." 

Dulac seemed to be referencing how it was originally thought that Rodgers would re-sign by the end of March. Later, Rooney said he expected that the Steelers would "get an answer before the draft." The draft wrapped up on April 25. Last offseason, Rodgers didn't officially sign with Pittsburgh until right before the club held its mandatory minicamp in June.

The Steelers are on track to have backup Mason Rudolph, 2025 rookie Will Howard and 2026 third-round draft pick Drew Allar on their roster. However, the club recently placed a rarely used unrestricted free-agent tender on Rodgers via a decision that many think ensures he will either play for Pittsburgh later this year or retire. 

The Steelers would receive a compensatory draft pick if he signs with a different team before July 22 or the first day of Pittsburgh's training camp, whichever comes later. After that date, Rodgers would only be able to sign with the Steelers.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers annoyance "goes beyond the team’s fan base?"

"After waiting this long," Dulac continued, "it is a foregone conclusion the Steelers will continue to wait for Rodgers. They have been under the impression he wants to return and have not been given any indication to think otherwise. But his inability to make a decision and sign a new contract has created a measure of annoyance that goes beyond the team’s fan base."

Dulac's update suggests that May 18 could become a massive day regarding the Steelers' quarterback situation. Then again, Rodgers presumably could re-sign with the team at any point over the next two weeks.