The Pittsburgh Steelers may be relying too heavily on the uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers, one NFL insider warns.
The Steelers have held a vacancy at quarterback as the longtime NFL veteran waits to make a decision on his 2026 season. While many expect Rodgers to break the stalemate and return to the Steelers for another season, The Athletic’s Michael Silver is sounding a warning to the team about what might happen if he changes his mind and opts for retirement.
Steelers Could Face Dire Situation Without Aaron Rodgers
Silver wrote that the Steelers are walking a tightrope with Rodgers, one that has no safety net below. He compared the situation to the Green Bay Packers in 2008, when they prepared to move on from Brett Favre but had Rodgers ready as their backup plan.
“The 2026 Steelers? Not so much,” Silver wrote. “They’re praying Rodgers, who’ll turn 43 this season, will get back in the ring to take another swing.”
If Rodgers opts for retirement, the Steelers could have no path to the postseason, Silver added.
“Otherwise — at least on paper — they don’t seem to have a puncher’s chance of getting back to the playoffs,” Silver wrote.
Silver added that there is reason for optimism, pointing out that Rodgers didn’t sign until early June last year and could have another few weeks to make a decision this time around. But Rodgers has already blown past the projection from Steelers owner Art Rooney II, who told reporters that he expected the veteran quarterback would be signed by the NFL draft.
“Yet as with all matters concerning Rodgers in the latter stages of his outstanding career, things have gotten a little weird,” Silver added. “Nothing too extreme thus far — no darkness retreat, ayahuasca journey or draft-night hijacking — but still, enough to make the Steelers feel just a bit uneasy.”
Steelers Could Be Nearing Aaron Rodgers Decision
The Steelers could soon get an answer out of Rodgers, who has not given a strong public indication of his plans for the next season. ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor noted on Monday that Rodgers could be days away from making his final decision and re-signing with the team.
“I think the next date that we should have circled on our calendars is May 18,” Pryor said during an appearance on SportsCenter. “That is the start of the Steelers’ next phase of organized team activities. I believe that’s the date the Steelers have circled. So some things could come together in the next week, but so far it has not.”
The Steelers are looking to defend their AFC North title, one that was earned in the final game of the season with a win over the Baltimore Ravens. They had a first-round playoff exit, however, and went into this offseason with uncertainty surrounding Rodgers.
The team adopted a win-now approach when signing Rodgers last season and would likely compete for a playoff spot again, but may have missed a critical window with the Kansas City Chiefs and Ravens both falling short of the playoffs.
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