Schefter: Steelers Fans Get A New Update On Aaron Rodgers Situation

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been playing a painful waiting game with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In 2025, Rodgers was rumored to sign with the team all offseason, but never made his decision till June, just before mandatory minicamp. The team banked on Rodgers signing with the Black and Gold, as the only moves they had made were to bring back Mason Rudolph and draft Will Howard in the sixth round. As of 2026, nothing has changed. Rodgers is once again a free agent and has yet to decide his future. So far, the Steelers haven't made any moves at quarterback, which is leaving fans wondering what the team's plan is.

Mike McCarthy has on multiple occasions said how excited he is to work with Howard. Howard is a former National Champion, but slid down the draft board due to inconsistent throwing mechanics and questionable decision-making. McCarthy, known as a quarterback guru, believes Howard could be his next big project. While all this praise for Howard has come out, the team has remained open to a reunion with Rodgers. Rodgers said earlier this month that there has been no deadline or even a contract offer.

NFL Insider Adam Schefter recently appeared on the show NFL Live on ESPN. He discussed the Rodgers sweepstakes, saying the NFL Draft will not be the deadline for Rodgers to decide. He believes the team will stick to their plan in the first round and that Rodgers' decision won't affect their decision. 

"I don't expect Pittsburgh is gonna be going quarterback in round one, so to me, the Draft is not really a deadline," Schefter said. "I don't think that factors in."

The team's only outside options at quarterback, aside from Rodgers, seemingly are either through the Draft, or via the trade market. It's looking more and more like Howard will get a serious chance to battle for the starting job.  

"It's not like they need an answer immediately anyway. They're gonna be depending on Will Howard," said Schefter. "They have Mason Rudolph on the roster, and if Aaron Rodgers decides he doesn't want to come back, Kirk Cousins is out there, and they always could pivot to him as an option. They know, they're smart enough to give Aaron Rodgers the time he needs to operate, and the space that he wants and needs, and that when he's ready, he can give them a decision... I don't think the Draft is gonna impact what they do and how much they want him back."

While Kirk Cousins has been floated as a pivot option for the franchise, there hasn't been anything beyond speculation. With McCarthy's favor of Howard, it is likely Rodgers or nothing for the Steelers. The team likely won't bring in another old veteran to take the reins, much like the end of the Mike Tomlin era. 

McCarthy could potentially roll with the young gun and try to develop him as best he can. If that happens, at least Howard's life will be much easier when it comes to his weaponry. 

Steelers Need To Make Howard's Life As Easy As Possible

Howard was a sixth-round pick for a reason. He doesn't have the freakish athleticism of Josh Allen, the arm of Justin Herbert, or the accuracy of Joe Burrow. Howard will need all the help he can get. With General Manager Omar Khan seemingly building his team first before getting the quarterback, he needs to shore up his offense even more. Khan is off to a good start, trading for Michael Pittman Jr., but the team needs more. Offensive line and more receivers are still to be had. 

The Steelers are not going to commit to having Rodgers come back. Based on Schefter's words, they aren't banking on it. The team is going to possibly turn to Howard as the starter one day, and they seem prepared for that to potentially happen in 2026. 

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