The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through the same process with their quarterback position that they did during the 2025 offseason. Aaron Rodgers is waiting around and thinking about whether or not he wants to continue his playing career. He is a free agent and can sign wherever he would like to, but the sense is that he would come back to Pittsburgh if he wanted to keep playing. The Steelers have reportedly been sniffing around the rest of the quarterback market while Rodgers makes up his mind, but as of right now, the four-time league MVP seems to be the front-runner to be the starter in 2026.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks into the distance with intense focus as he stands in street clothes while the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers has been quiet during the 2026 offseason aside from one appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, where he spoke very highly about his time with the Steelers. He seemed to enjoy his time in the city, but he also had some strange responses when asked about whether or not he would return. He shared that he has not been offered a contract, which should make fans wonder whether or not the franchise is that serious about bringing back the veteran signal-caller.
Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday morning, and he was asked if the fans may get a decision from Rodgers soon.
"I don't get a strong sense of that," Fittipaldo said. "I mean, just going back to the interview with McAfee last week, I think Aaron's on his own timeline. I would not be surprised at all if the Steelers had a pretty good, just like behind closed doors, like a tight little circle there between Aaron and Mike [McCarthy], maybe Aaron and Omar [Khan] that, everything is going to work out. I just cannot imagine guys that the Steelers would go into free agency and not even really consider a quarterback, I think they know what's going to happen, Aaron's going to come back, maybe next week, maybe next month."
Various beat writers and analysts keep talking as if the Steelers are waiting on a decision from Rodgers, but the quarterback made it very clear during his lone media appearance that he has not been offered a contract as mentioned. There is nothing for him to decide on as of right now aside from whether or not he wants to retire. As of right now, the Steelers also still need to decide that they want him back.
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Steelers' TJ Watt tries to get in the way of former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray's throw during a game in Pittsburgh.
An important domino to consider in this entire saga is quarterback Kyler Murray, who will officially be released by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday at the start of the new league year. He will be able to sign anywhere for a deal that will probably only be worth the league minimum, and Pittsburgh does have interest. The Minnesota Vikings are viewed as the front-runner to land Murray, but Pittsburgh has some sort of shot.
The franchise may be waiting for Murray to make his decision, and if he decides to go to Minnesota, it will free up Pittsburgh to put a contract in front of Rodgers.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Best Option Is Likely Still Aaron Rodgers
Some fans are tired of seeing a veteran suit up at quarterback for Pittsburgh, but it is important to note that Rodgers is still probably the best option in Pittsburgh. The organization is not in position to land a starting-caliber player through the 2026 NFL Draft, and the rest of the quarterback market is fairly dry. Murray may be the better player currently, but he has regressed in recent years. He will be interesting to watch wherever he ends up, especially if it winds up being with the Vikings.
When do you think the Steelers could sign Rodgers? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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