Aaron Rodgers
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NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported this weekend an Aaron Rodgers decision on 2026 will occur before the start of NFL free agency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be patiently waiting for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on 2026. Last year, the organization waited until June for Rodgers to sign.
But in a perfect world, the Steelers will hear from Rodgers on what he wants to do next season before the second week of March. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported at the 2026 NFL Combine that the Steelers will get that wish.
“He’s had positive discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his old friend Mike McCarthy,” Rapoport said Saturday, via Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark. “Surely, an answer is coming before free agency.”
Free agency officially on March 11. A lot of the league’s top free agents will have a new home that day when the league year begins at 4 pm ET.
The legal tampering period starts on March 9.
Rapoport wasn’t exactly clear which date fans can expect as the timeline for the quarterback’s retirement decision. But either way, the quarterback has another week to make Rapoport’s timeframe.
Rodgers led the Steelers to a 10-6 record in his first season with the team during 2025. He completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Rodgers will turn 43 in December. He just completed his 21st year in the league during 2025.
Why the Steelers Should Re-Sign Aaron Rodgers
There will likely be plenty of jokes about age if the Steelers ultimately bring back Rodgers. The fact Rodgers went 17 of 33 with 146 passing yards, an interception and four sacks in the team’s playoff loss will only exacerbate those jokes.
But similar to last year, Rodgers offers a bridge opportunity to Pittsburgh. The Steelers don’t have another ideal starter on their roster or an obvious path to acquiring one this offseason.
So, Rodgers might be the best they can land for the 2026 season.
With him back in the fold, sixth-rounder Will Howard will have another opportunity to learn under the future Hall of Famer. The Steelers could also hope the 2027 rookie quarterback group is better than the projections for the 2026 class.
Rodgers had decent overall numbers, but he was particularly good in clutch situations during the 2025 regular season. He registered three game-winning drives, including one to win the AFC North during Week 18 versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Rodgers played his best after Thanksgiving. From Week 14 to the end of the regular season, he averaged 247.2 passing yards per game and threw five touchdowns with no picks. The Steelers went 4-1 in those games.
The other advantage for Pittsburgh with Rodgers is he will be on the cheaper side. Last season, he played in Pittsburgh on a $13.65 million contract with incentives.
To sign someone such as Malik Willis, it could cost the Steelers $30 million or more per year.
What Happens if Rodgers Doesn’t Meet Free Agency Deadline?
It would be terrific news for the Steelers if they have Rodgers’s final 2026 decision before March 9. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
Again, last year, Rodgers dragged out his free agency until June 5. Other pundits besides Rapoport have reported this offseason the Steelers won’t have to wait until June this year.
But again, that doesn’t mean Rodgers will have decided by March 9.
If the veteran quarterback wants to keep weighing his future beyond March 11, things could get interesting. That’s mostly because fans will learn exactly how badly the Steelers want Rodgers to return.
The Steelers really only have one roster spot for a quarterback in 2026. If they want Rodgers badly enough, they have to wait as long as he wants to make a choice.
But if the Steelers are open to other quarterbacks, they will have to start pursing them at the beginning of free agency with or without a Rodgers decision.
Rodgers spent 18 of his first 21 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He also played two years for the New York Jets before signing with the Steelers.