The Pittsburgh Steelers' wait for Aaron Rodgers continues, despite the team originally expecting an answer before the 2026 NFL Draft. The reports always say he's expected to decide in the "coming week." Now, with Organized Team Activities coming soon, Rodgers is still nowhere to be found. While this will be good for the young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar, it spells trouble if Rodgers does return. He will likely have no chemistry with the new playmakers on offense. Rodgers signed in June last offseason, just before mandatory minicamp. This year looks like it could be the same.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers is struggling with his helmet during practice in the 2025 NFL offseason.
Rodgers played decently in 2025, winning 10 games and helping the Steelers to an AFC North division title. While they did host a playoff game, that was more due to the division having an uncharacteristically bad year. Rodgers struggled mightily against the better defenses, not only with his accuracy, but also with his decision-making. He would often look old, unable to move in the pocket like he used to. To his credit, the team's only respectable wide receiver was DK Metcalf. In 2026, that won't be the case. The Steelers upgraded their wide receiver corps with Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard, giving their quarterback a reliable room this upcoming season.
Former NFL cornerback and Super Bowl champion Aqib Talib recently appeared on the show The Arena, where he discussed the Steelers' quarterback situation. Talib took a harsh stance on Rodgers, saying he should be with the team in OTAs in the coming weeks to build cohesion; otherwise, he's not trying to win. Rodgers struggled with this last season with Roman Wilson, and he and Metcalf were often not on the same page.
"If you're trying to win, you're not going to pull up in July," Talib stated. "If I'm like, alright, I'm shooting my last shot trying to win. If I pull up in July, I'm not trying to win. You got to pull up and establish some type of cohesiveness in May if you planning on winning."
Like in 2025, Rodgers will be coming into a new offense, but it will be familiar to him. He played in Head Coach Mike McCarthy's offense for most of his career, and he even won a Super Bowl in it.
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Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy (left) and former quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right) go over plays in an NFL game during their time in Green Bay, WI.
Sure, some wrinkles will likely be different and maybe some verbiage, but Rodgers will return to the West Coast scheme that helped shape his Hall of Fame career. Rodgers is 42, turning 43 during the season, and likely isn't worth the wait, but he is probably the Steelers' best option at a Super Bowl.
Steelers' Young QBs May Be Better Long-Term With Rodgers On The Team
As it currently stands, the future at quarterback for the Steelers looks to be either Howard or Allar. Howard arguably has the higher floor, but Allar has the higher ceiling. Howard already got to sit behind Rodgers for a season and soak in as much information as possible; it's not guaranteed Allar will be able to do the same. If Rodgers does decide to return, it will be a tremendous help to Allar, who struggles with many of the things Rodgers is great at.
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Steelers' newly drafted quarterback Drew Allar looks on during his time at Penn State after a crucial interception.
One of Allar's biggest weaknesses is his very inconsistent accuracy. Rodgers happens to be one of the best pure throwers the game has ever seen. One thing Allar doesn't lack is arm talent. Rodgers will be able to help craft that, teaching him new mechanics. Both young quarterbacks also struggle with inconsistent footwork, especially under pressure. Rodgers has always had excellent footwork, especially on play-action plays.
While Rodgers is not even close to the player he used to be, if the Steelers want Allar or Howard to be their next franchise quarterback. Perhaps Rodgers coming back is the best way to help with that. We will have to see what Rodgers does in the coming months.
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