Steelers await Aaron Rodgers decision as NFL draft nears
· Yahoo Sports
Another offseason finds the Pittsburgh Steelers once again waiting on Aaron Rodgers to decide his future. The clock is ticking for the Super Bowl champion to inform the organization whether he’ll return for a second season. While Rodgers told Pat McAfee earlier this month that there’s “no deadline that’s been put in front of me,” the 2026 NFL Draft — set to take place in Pittsburgh — is now just five weeks away. Ideally, the Steelers would like clarity on the direction of their quarterback room before then, but as history has shown, what’s best for the organization doesn’t always align with Rodgers’ timeline.
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That uncertainty hasn’t gone unnoticed by franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger, who recently weighed in on the situation.
“Well, one, we don't know who the quarterback is… that's probably not important,” Roethlisberger joked on the recent episode of "Footbahlin' with Ben Roethlisberger."
“There is definitely a shroud of mystery around this team right now.”
Roethlisberger’s comments highlight just how unsettled things feel in Pittsburgh, particularly at quarterback. Since his 2021 retirement, the franchise has struggled to establish long-term stability at the position, and that lingering question continues to shape the team’s outlook this offseason.
At the same time, Roethlisberger made it clear he believes the situation should ultimately resolve itself in the Steelers’ favor — especially given the talent now in place around the quarterback.
”How is Aaron not coming back when you have those kinds of weapons?” Roethlisberger said. “Like, what are we doing? There is no way he is not coming back. No way.
"I don't see how he doesn't [come back]."
While Pittsburgh did lose its leading receiver from the 2025 season in running back Kenny Gainwell, the front office has worked to reload. The Steelers added wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and running back Rico Dowdle in free agency, giving the offense additional firepower and strengthening the case for a veteran quarterback to step in and lead the group.
Still, even with those additions, questions remain. With Will Howard entering his second season without any in-game experience and Mason Rudolph offering limited upside, the Steelers appear likely to target a quarterback with one of their dozen picks in April. However, much like their approach in 2025, adding a veteran bridge option may be the more prudent path — especially with a stronger quarterback class expected in the 2027 NFL Draft.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers QB uncertainty grows as Rodgers decision nears