Steelers Fans Now Have Best Idea Of When Aaron Rodgers Will Be In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers have constantly been in headlines throughout the 2026 offseason as the NFL world awaits news on who will be the team's starting quarterback for the 2026 season. The franchise has Will Howard and Mason Rudolph under contract, and the coaching staff loves Howard, but the hope is that Aaron Rodgers decides to continue his playing career and signs another contract in Pittsburgh. He is currently a free agent, but he is weighing the decision of retirement. If he decides to keep playing, it will more than likely be in Pittsburgh, and the organization has been clear that it wants a decision from the veteran before the 2026 NFL Draft near the end of April.

The NFL Draft will begin on April 23rd, so the franchise wants to know Rodgers' plan before then. This would obviously allow the organization to plan better for the immediate future through the draft, as drafting a mid-round quarterback could become a possibility if Rodgers does not plan to return. Every fan and media personality has had some sort of a prediction on what will happen with Rodgers and when he might sign. Beat writer Mark Kaboly joined 93.7 The Fan on Friday afternoon to discuss the situation, and he gave his prediction on the matter.

"This is my new prediction, it's not any insider knowledge," Kaboly said. "They have their first on-field practice the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before the draft. I think he will be there. Which is what, April 20th, 21st, and 22nd. So, three weeks."

This prediction from Kaboly would fit the timeline that Team President and Owner Art Rooney II has laid out for the four-time league MVP. The three dates that Kaboly gave will be Pittsburgh's first on-field practices that are known as voluntary minicamp. Not every team gets this privilege, as it is reserved for teams that will have new head coaches during the 2026 season.

Rodgers made it clear when he initially signed with the Steelers during the 2025 offseason that one of the reasons he wanted to join the team was former head coach Mike Tomlin. When Tomlin stepped down after the season, it seemed very likely that the quarterback would retire or play elsewhere. Pittsburgh went on to hire Mike McCarthy, Rodgers' former head coach from most of his time with the Green Bay Packers. This may draw him back to Pittsburgh. Kaboly was asked why he believes in his prediction.

"Well, nothing gives me faith, 100 percent faith that he'll be there," Kaboly said. "The only thing that I have about 100 percent faith in is both sides know that they're coming. It's just a matter of when."

If Rodgers were to sign on this timeline, it would be before the time frame when he did during the 2025 season. Rodgers signed in 2025 near the start of June, right around the start of mandatory minicamp.

Steelers Need Aaron Rodgers At As Many Offseason Dates As Possible

It is more important than it was during the 2025 offseason that Rodgers is able to be at some of these offseason dates for the Steelers. The main reason for that is the fact that the Steelers will be running a new offense under McCarthy, and it is one that Rodgers is very familiar with. The duo ran the offense together in Green Bay for a long time and even won a Super Bowl. Rodgers could help lead and mentor the younger guys on the offense, which could play a part in quicker success once the season begins. 

McCarthy will be calling the plays in Pittsburgh, so it is important that the two get back on the same page and get on the field together with the rest of the offense.

What do you think about Kaboly's prediction for when Rodgers might sign? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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