The wait on Aaron Rodgers' decision whether to play or not in 2026 could be coming sooner rather than later.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II said Tuesday that although he's not spoken to Rodgers, Rooney expects the quarterback to announce his decision prior to Pittsburgh hosting the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins April 23.
"I have not talked to (Rodgers). Coach (Mike McCarthy) has been in contact with him pretty regularly," Rooney told ESPN's Brooke Pryor at the Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. "I think a decision is coming soon.
"I would say by the draft I would expect an answer."
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McCarthy said Tuesday that Rodgers is in "a very positive space" and that he and his former quarterback have been speaking regularly this offseason since McCarthy took the Steelers' job.
"So he's really engaged with what's going on," McCarthy said on Monday, via ESPN. " ... We'll just continue to engage in conversations."
Rodgers, 42, played well at times in his first season with the Steelers in 2025, throwing for 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, leading Pittsburgh to the postseason. But they were wiped out by the Texans in the Wild Card Round, leading to Mike Tomlin's ouster and Rodgers' future left murky with it.
Yet recent signs appear relatively positive for Rodgers' return and a 22nd NFL season -- either that or the Steelers appeared unconcerned about it. The other quarterbacks on the roster include Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard, whom McCarthy said was "definitely a real prospect as a starting quarterback."