Another day has passed and Aaron Rodgers has still yet to announce whether he’s returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers next season or not. And with the 2026 NFL Draft a little over a week away, things could get very interesting.
The Steelers, like most teams across the league, are assumed to be mulling over multiple draft plans as the event inches closer. Rodgers’ final decision could obviously play a hand in what the team ultimately decides to do.
“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,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said while on the April 13 edition of The Pat McAfee Show.
Rodgers essentially has the fate of the Steelers’ 2026 season in his hands. That said, if he does not return before the draft, the Steelers could try to further entice him by making some bold draft choices that all start with the wide receiver room.
Steelers Predicted To Add More Firepower For Aaron Rodgers
Even at 41 years old, Rodgers made the most out of what he was given in Pittsburgh last season. He helped make running back Kenneth Gainwell an integral part of the offense, using his abilities out of the backfield. And, of course, there was DK Metcalf, who led all receivers by a mile.
But that was about it, as the options were limited. The Steelers have already attempted to remedy that by trading for Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Sports Illustrated’s Noah Strackbein has them adding even more firepower in his latest mock draft.
With the Steelers’ first-round selection at No. 21 overall, he has them picking Washington receiver Denzel Boston, while missing out on others like Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson.
“If they are, the Steelers will feel very comfortable with Boston as their first-round selection,” Strackbein said. “The big-bodied pass-catcher with strong hands and physical dominance joins a mix of DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., giving Pittsburgh the toughest wide receiver core in the NFL. Something they’ll be proud of and run to the opportunity to do.”
Boston would be a huge addition alone. However, Strackbein doesn’t stop there.
Steelers Double Dip At Receiver In Bold Mock Draft
Remember, the Steelers have 12 total picks in this year’s draft and five picks within the first three rounds. Strackbein has them selecting Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez at No. 35 after trading with the Tennessee Titans in Round 2.
Pittsburgh then goes right back to receiver in the third round with Georgia’s Zachariah Branch at No. 53.
“Double-dipping at wide receiver is likely on Pittsburgh’s agenda as well,” Strackbein said. “This team needs to make sure they take advantage of a deep wide receiver class and have done their homework on the mid-round options after the big names are off the board.
“Branch adds the speed and athleticism that Boston doesn’t, giving Pittsburgh the best of both worlds with their rookie wideouts. Both of whom will be viewed as future stars for the Steelers.”
If this were to happen and Rodgers still didn’t commit to the Steelers by the end of the draft, then there may be nothing left that could excite him enough to make a return.
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