The Pittsburgh Steelers are patiently waiting for some clarity on their own quarterback situation as Aaron Rodgers continues to ponder what to do with his future. The veteran quarterback signed a one-year deal with the franchise during the 2025 offseason, and he is debating whether or not to retire after having a fairly successful season with the Steelers. He helped lead the franchise to its first home playoff game in years after winning the AFC North, and his individual numbers were pretty good too, despite the fact that his mobility has dwindled.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers points towards the camera during a home game in the Steel City of Pittsburgh.
Rodgers is scheduled to become a free agent, and with free agency opening up in less than a week, it would be nice if the Steelers got some clarity from the quarterback on what he would like to do with his future. He went on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday where he shared some strange answers about how things have been between him and the Steelers since the offseason began. The fan base in Pittsburgh still expects him to be back, while others are worried that he might decide to sign with another team in free agency if he decides to continue his playing career.
NFL insider James Palmer joined the Heed The Call NFL Podcast, where he reassured Pittsburgh fans that Rodgers would be in Pittsburgh if he wanted to keep playing.
"I don't think Aaron's playing anywhere other than Pittsburgh, if he plays," Palmer said. "The dialogue has been too intense between him and Mike McCarthy."
Palmer seems confident that Rodgers will be back with the Steelers if he decides he wants to continue his playing career, but it is also important to take that with a grain of salt. Rodgers keeps his circle tight, so it is hard to believe anything that might be reported about the four-time league MVP if it's not coming from Rodgers himself.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season matchup in Dublin between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings.
One spot to watch for Rodgers is the Minnesota Vikings. The quarterback had some interest in playing for Minnesota during the 2025 offseason, but the Vikings decided to forego the opportunity to sign the veteran, and they instead deciding to move forward with JJ McCarthy. Things with McCarthy didn't go too well during the 2025 season, but the quarterback is still young and has a chance to develop into a quality starter. What might help that is bringing in a qualified veteran like Rodgers, who could start in 2026 while developing McCarthy.
Minnesota has already been said to be looking for some veteran help at the quarterback position after the way the 2025 season went, and it would be fair to assume Rodgers might be a name they would look at. The Vikings should also be attractive to the 42 year old as the offense features one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Still Need A Backup Plan For Aaron Rodgers
The Steelers need a strong backup plan on the off chance that Rodgers decides to retire, or if he decides to sign with another franchise once free agency begins. Fans would like to see Will Howard get a chance to start, but the coaching staff is not going to just hand him the job without some sort of competition during training camp. Mason Rudolph has already shown on multiple occasions that he is nothing more than a backup, so that leaves free agency, the trade market, and the 2026 NFL Draft for the franchise to find another player at the position. Kyler Murray, Garrett Nussmeier, and Drew Allar all seem to be potential options.
Let me know on X what you think Rodgers might decide to do, @brogannoey!
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