The Steel City is currently stuck in a brutal holding pattern that feels hauntingly familiar forMike McCarthy. Pittsburgh is waiting on a decision fromAaron Rodgers that might not come until it is too late.
The veteran quarterback is mulling retirement or a massive raise from his previous $13.95 million deal. His silence is deafening as the NFL Draft approaches and the Steelers roster remains incomplete.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Dobbs, Mike McCarthy
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on after being sacked during the first half of the NFL Wild Card game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 12, 2026.
Adam Schefterdropped a truth bomb on The Pat McAfee Show regarding the lack of urgency. “I don’t think there’s a deadline, but I do think the Steelers would like to know before the draft,” Schefter said.
“What do you got on Aaron Rodgers @OfficialAJHawk 😂😂
I don’t think there’s a deadline but I do think the Steelers would like to know before the draft”@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/AQCZ88splr
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 7, 2026
If Rodgers drags this saga into May, Pittsburgh misses its chance to snag a premier rookie signal caller. The roster has no other proven starters after Kirk Cousins bolted for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Rodgers last played on January 13, 2026, in a Wild Card loss to Houston. He posted 3,332 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 16 games during his lone full season in black and gold.
The four-time MVP recently told Pat McAfee that “conversations to be had down the line” exist but nothing is progressive. He seems content to let the franchise sweat while he weighs his leverage.
Art Rooney II expressed hope for a resolution during the NFL Annual League Meeting. “I think a decision is coming soon,” Rooney said. “I would say by the draft, I would expect an answer.”
McCarthy is intimately familiar with these games from his thirteen seasons coaching Rodgers in Green Bay. He lived through the Brett Favre exit and knows when a team must finally pivot toward youth.
Mike McCarthy faces Will Howard transition as Aaron Rodgers stalls
The head coach is not exactly crying in his film room over the uncertainty. McCarthy spent the league meetings gushing over Will Howard, the 2025 pick who spent last year buried on the depth chart.
Howard boasts a collegiate resume featuring 9,796 passing yards. His 2024 season was electric, racking up 4,010 yards and a 73% completion rate before injuries hampered his transition to the professional ranks.
“I valued him higher than that based off Kansas State,” McCarthy said. He noted that Howard jumped out of the television set during the college playoffs and looks like a real starting prospect.
The Steelers might be forced to embrace the Howard era if Aaron Rodgers keeps playing hard to get. Transitioning to a 24-year-old dual threat would certainly be cheaper than meeting Rodgers’ contract demands.