Report: Steelers Time Table For Aaron Rodgers Decision Is Different Than Initially Believed

The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck in quarterback purgatory. Many analysts say that their best option for the position in 2026 is 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers coming off of a steep physical decline. The other possible best option is Will Howard, who has yet to even take a preseason snap in his NFL career after getting drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Free agency and the 2026 draft are very barren in terms of talent at the position, so the Steelers may just have to run it back with the same passer room for another season. 

In a recent column, NFL insider Mike Florio had a source give him information on what the Steelers' plans are at the quarterback position for 2026.

"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Steelers definitely want quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return for 2026," Florio said. "It’s not a ploy to make Rodgers think they want him back while hoping he doesn’t return. They want him to return. And here’s the kicker. They’re in no hurry. While they don’t anticipate that the situation will take quite as long as it did last year to resolve itself, they’re content to focus on developing second-year quarterback Will Howard. With Rodgers not there for the offseason program, Howard has a chance to become QB1 over Mason Rudolph."

Previous reports say that the Steelers have given Rodgers a deadline to make his decision, but Florio directly refuted that claim. He did not specify how long they are willing to wait, but in 2025, then-head coach Mike Tomlin gave a very soft deadline of training camp for a decision to be made. With a new coaching staff in place, there is uncertainty to how long they can wait for their starting quarterback to come back. 

While Rodgers takes his time with making a decision, Florio said that all of the focus will go to Howard, as opposed to helping prepare Mason Rudolph to start if needed. Head Coach Mike McCarthy was enamored with the former NCAA National Champion during his own interview process to become the new team leader, and he wants to bring out some of that untapped potential.

Even if Rodgers does not come back and the Steelers don't bring in a surefire starting quarterback, Howard will most likely not become QB1 until the preseason. As mentioned before, he has not taken a snap in any sort of game setting at the NFL level. Maybe he does have more talent and a higher ceiling than Rudolph, but nobody will have a clue on that until he's under center against another team's defense.

In 2025, Rodgers waited until mandatory minicamp before signing a contract and getting to work with his offense. He has made it very clear in the past that he does not enjoy participating in team activities in the offseason. If Florio's report is true, odds are he will come back at around the same time in 2026. That would give Howard many months to develop as much as he can with starter reps in practice.

Steelers' Backup Situation Is Also Very Clear

If Rodgers returns, Howard will almost certainly be the backup. That way, he can still get quality reps in, as opposed to being the scout team quarterback and being used to help the defense develop. That means Rudolph's future in Pittsburgh will depend heavily on the draft. 

If Pittsburgh selects a rookie quarterback, there is almost no chance that he survives roster cutdown day barring an unfortunate injury.

What do you think about the Steelers wanting Rodgers back and trying to make Howard the QB1 until he returns? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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