The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the sports news cycle for the entirety of the NFL's 2026 offseason. First, MIke Tomlin shockingly stepped down after an awesome 19-year run with the organization. Since then, the franchise hired Mike McCarthy to lead the locker room. Additionally, there has been plenty of drama surrounding Aaron Rodgers and his potential decision to return to the Steel City for one more season. If he does sign another contract, it likely makes the collective more dangerous in terms of repeating as AFC North champions as well as being competitors in the conference as a whole.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down intense focus in street clothes as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
There haven't been many clear indications about what the veteran may do, as he has stayed in the shadows for the majority of the offseason besides one media appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. Still, it has not been a secret that the Steelers' brass has started to get a bit frustrated about the four-time MVP's ongoing decision-making process.
It does, however, appear as if this saga is going to end soon. On Thursday morning, The Fan Morning Show's Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson broke exclusive news that the future Hall of Fame quarterback will be flying into Pittsburgh on Thursday evening with the expectation that he will end up signing a deal at some point throughout the weekend.
"Alright, breaking news exclusive to The Fan Morning Show," Crowley stated. "This is not a drill. This is real. Aaron Rodgers expected to be in town [on Thursday night] with the expectation of him signing this weekend. This is a big one. This is the real thing folks, not speculation. This is what we have been told."
The duo seemed extremely confident on air that this is something that will be transpiring on Thursday night. While Rodgers rarely has any sort of leaks and prefers to keep a low profile regarding his business getting out in the public, Crowley seemed overly confident, and Dickerson backed up his report.
"Yes," Dickerson said. "Him coming in tonight, I can't think of any other reason it would be besides signing a contract and getting it done and being here. Obviously, rookie minicamp starts tomorrow."
It certainly feels as if Rodgers will be reporting to the team, meeting the rookies and eventually putting pen to paper regarding a deal that will keep him in Pittsburgh for at least the 2026 campaign. If he does have a trip to the Steel City scheduled for Thursday, it's very unlikely that it would be to tell the Steelers' decision-makers that he is retiring. If the travel itinerary is spot on, fans should not be surprised if the signal-caller is officially on the roster by the end of the weekend.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to make a throw as the team works out during 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
At first, the Steelers thought Rodgers would give them an answer roughly 30 days after the end of the season. Then, the deadline appeared to be free agency. After that period came and went, the 2026 NFL Draft was circled on Pittsburgh's calendar. After the big event ended, it felt like frustration was beginning to boil over. Now, the team is set to get its quarterback in town and, supposedly, to sign a contract.
Steelers' Best Chance At A Winning Season Would Be With Rodgers
While fans are excited to see some younger signal-callers get chances to prove themselves, it feels like those opportunities will only come in the preseason. Pittsburgh has not been shy about wanting Rodgers back, and if the reporting from 93.7 The Fan is true, then a contract should end up being signed in the coming days. The locker room could use its leader for this stretch, specifically because the offense is set to be more dangerous with McCarthy calling the plays.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers takes a knee and looks off into the distance as the team gets ready to participate during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers have waited patiently for the second year in a row, and despite Rodgers not loving voluntary offseason activities, signs are now pointing toward him participating in Organized Team Activities (OTAs), which would be a huge boost for the roster as a whole.
#SteelerNation