New Aaron Rodgers Rumors on Timeline for Steelers Return, NFL Retirement Decision

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly aren't stressing over their quarterback situation as free agency approaches.

Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reported that the Steelers have an idea for when they'll get a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers regarding his NFL future.

"The Steelers believe they'll get an answer from Rodgers in the next few weeks," DeFabo reported. "General manager Omar Khan suggested as much publicly, and a number of other team sources indicated the entire organization is under that same assumption."

In his first year in Pittsburgh in 2025, Rodgers led the team to a 10-7 record and its first AFC North title since 2020. DeFabo noted that the 42-year-old "had positive exit meetings with the Steelers in January," and members of the organization "have maintained consistent communication" with him.

However, the recent changes in Pittsburgh create some uncertainty over Rodgers' potential return to the team. Former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down at the end of the year and was replaced by Mike McCarthy, who had previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers.

Still, it sounds like the Steelers are optimistic that Rodgers will be back under center in 2026.

"The best way to describe the Steelers' feelings: They think Rodgers is going to return for 2026, but until he gives them a definitive answer, they can't speak in certain terms," DeFabo stated.