The Pittsburgh Steelers have changed a lot this offseason, but Aaron Rodgers possibly being the team’s quarterback remains a mystery. He is an unrestricted free agent, but he could retire instead of returning for his 22nd NFL season. However, he is yet to give an answer to whether he is planning on returning, which would be going back to the Steelers. Let’s take a closer look at when he is expected to give an answer on his future.
Pittsburgh Steelers owner believes Aaron Rodgers’ decision will come before NFL Draft
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Jan 14, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II speaks at a press conference at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
While speaking Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at the league meeting in Arizona, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Ronney II said he is expecting to know what Aaron Rodgers plans on doing before the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.
“I still expect that. I expect we’ll get an answer before the draft.”
The Steelers were able to make the postseason with Rodgers under center last season, winning the AFC North title. However, they would lose in the AFC Wild Card Round to the Houston Texans. Since then, they replaced coach Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy, who the 42-year-old quarterback won his only Super Bowl with.
Aaron Rodgers had a respectable season in 2025 as he completed 327 of 498 (65.7%) of his passes for 3,322 yards with 24 passing touchdowns to seven interceptions. He suffered a broken wrist in November, but he missed one game. It will be intriguing to see if Rodgers has any interest of returning, as he waited until after the draft to sign with the Steelers. If he does not return to Pittsburgh, the team has Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster. While we may not know the exact answer during the NFL Draft, if the team drafts a quarterback, it could be a sign.