The NFL Draft is just over a week away from taking place in the city of Pittsburgh. Still, the Pittsburgh Steelers are without a starting quarterback. After leading the team to a division title for the first time in five years last season, future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still unsigned.
While appearing on Monday’s edition of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN senior insider Adam Schefter offered his latest update on the saga between the Steelers and Rodgers. While not giving a clear deadline on whether or not Rodgers may re-sign with the Steelers, he did acknowledge that plenty of people are expecting him to return to the Steel City.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Should Re-Sign Aaron Rodgers
GettyAaron Rodgers will turn 43 years of age in December.
Here is what Schefter had to specifically say about the likelihood of Rodgers coming back to play for the Steelers in 2026, as well as a possible contingency plan if he decides not to come back:
“We all believe he is going to be back, but he still hasn’t given an answer. So if he hasn’t given them an answer by the time the draft starts next week, do the Pittsburgh Steelers at some point in time draft a quarterback? … It’s kind of an interesting, little question that’s sitting there until No. 8 weighs in.”
Schefter was simply acknowledging both sides of the coin in this interview. But with the organization deciding to hire Rodgers’ former head coach with the Green Bay Packers, Mike McCarthy, perhaps the odds of Rodgers returning for a 22nd career season make more and more sense. Together for 13 total seasons (11 with Rodgers as the starter), McCarthy and Rodgers helped the Packers make eight consecutive playoff appearances and win five division titles. Furthermore, Rodgers won two of his four career MVPs under McCarthy’s leadership.
After a very strong 2025 season from Rodgers, who is 42, the Steelers should certainly want him back. He recorded 25 total touchdowns and posted a passer rating of 94.8 en route to going 10-6 as the team’s starter. The team could very well be talking to Rodgers behind the scenes, and a deal may already be in place, but nothing is official yet.
The Steelers’ Contingency Plans at Quarterback
GettyAaron Rodgers helped mentor Will Howard during his rookie season in 2025.
The Steelers have a couple of routes they could take if they decide not to officially bring back Rodgers. They could turn to young backup Will Howard, who spent last season learning from both Rodgers and veteran Mason Rudolph. The former national champion could be the future of the position in Pittsburgh.
Still, the Steelers do have 12 draft picks upcoming later this month. Could they use one of them on a more talented prospect? Or, maybe a trade could be a potential option. Veterans like San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones could be available in the right situation.
At the end of the day, Rodgers is still the best option for the team. After something of a rebirth last season, the four-time MVP could still have some major juice left in the tank for at least one more run.
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