Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on future, likely won’t before draft

Both sides of this extended dance have been right here before, having dallied with one another for months right now a 12 months in the past before finally committing to a season-long partnership. A second spin appeared implausible seven months in the past, however after Rodgers helped the Steelers attain the postseason in 2025, mutual curiosity appeared between the 2 events each before and after Pittsburgh made the stunning choice to hire McCarthy, the hometown child with a face that’s acutely acquainted to Rodgers.

Pittsburgh appeared assured sufficient for Steelers proprietor Art Rooney II to publicly state in late March he anticipated a solution from Rodgers “by the draft,” but it now appears the Steelers will have to proceed to attend.

They’ve considerably hedged in opposition to this (and a worst-case state of affairs of Rodgers not returning to soccer in any respect) by pushing a story of rising confidence in Howard, a Day 3 choose in 2025 (185th total) who noticed zero regular-season motion as a rookie, however has by some means managed to impress all the group. He’ll logically man the QB1 position in spring exercises and will discover himself in an surprising battle for the beginning job in July and August if Rodgers’ absence continues.

Still, that is a secondary plan at finest, one which the Steelers would possibly have to arrange for by deciding on one other developmental QB prospect and push a potential roster restrict battle (ie, commerce Rudolph elsewhere on the finish of camp) into the late levels of summer season. Without a assure from Rodgers previous to the draft, all the pieces turns into a bit much less steady, even when solely quickly.

Then once more, it would not be an offseason with out weeks spent questioning about Rodgers’ future. Pittsburgh will do its finest to navigate the tiresome interval whereas additionally holding a watch on the longer term.