New Aaron Rodgers Update From Steelers Owner Reveals Timeline for Contract Decision Amid NFL Rumors

The expectation in Pittsburgh is that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will make a decision regarding his NFL future before April's draft, according to team owner and president Art Rooney II.

Rodgers is no stranger to waiting deep into the offseason before making decisions about his future. Last year, he didn't sign with the Steelers until early June as he contemplated retirement.

Last offseason, Rodgers said his personal life took priority over making a decision about his NFL future.

"I wasn't stringing anyone along. I wasn't holding anyone hostage," he said on The Pat McAfee Show in April 2025. "I was honest from the jump about where I was at mentally and some of the constraints I have in my life right now that warrant my attention. I'm open to anything and attached to nothing. Retirement could still be a possibility, but right now my focus has been—and will continue to be—on my personal life. And that's what I've told the coaches. There's still conversations that are being had. It's all been very honest lines of communication."

While Rodgers hasn't said much publicly this offseason, new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters he's been in contact with the veteran quarterback "weekly, every couple of days."

"Just like they always are, life, football, what's going on at the facility," he added about the content of those discussions. "So he's really engaged with what's going on. ... I would just say he's in a very positive space. We'll just continue to engage in conversations."

That said, the Steelers have indicated they have contingencies in place no matter what Rodgers decides, or when he decides it.

"I think like anything, people talk about having a plan," McCarthy told reporters. "I think you have to have a system of player acquisition. We do every position. So you got to be able to adjust. You got to be proactive with that thought process. ... There really aren't too many scenarios we haven't talked about."

Rodgers, 42, was 10-6 as the team's starter last year and led the Steelers to the playoffs, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 65.7 percent of his passes. The team's other options at the position are currently Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, so getting Rodgers back would have major implications for the team's postseason aspirations in 2026.