A week before the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers still find themselves without a clear answer at starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Uncertainty continues to surround the position as the organization waits on a decision that could heavily influence their approach heading into draft night.
Last year, Aaron Rodgers waited until June 6th to make his decision, ultimately signing with Pittsburgh after months of speculation. Now, a similar situation appears to be unfolding once again. Rodgers is taking his time as he weighs retirement versus a return for what would be his 22nd season in the NFL, leaving the Steelers in a holding pattern as the draft approaches.
With the draft quickly approaching, there is a growing expectation that a decision could come sometime next week. Until then, Pittsburgh remains without clarity at the most important position on the field.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must stick to their timeline with Aaron Rodgers
At the NFL owners meetings, Art Rooney II told reporters he expects an answer soon, and ideally before the draft. That’s an important timeline for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are still waiting on Aaron Rodgers and don’t have clarity at the most important position on the roster heading into the 2026 season.
There’s been patience on both sides, and for good reason. Rodgers is familiar with Mike McCarthy’s system, and there’s already some level of comfort with parts of the roster from last season. But as the draft gets closer, that patience starts to run thin. The Steelers need to know where things stand so they can actually plan instead of guessing.
If Rodgers decides to return, quarterback becomes a very different conversation in the draft. Pittsburgh wouldn’t feel forced to use a pick on the position and could focus elsewhere on the roster. If he retires, though, the situation flips. Will Howard would be the expected option to step in as the starter, but the team would still likely look to add another quarterback in the draft for depth and competition, whether that’s a backup or a developmental piece to grow behind him.
The Steelers are prepared for both paths, but the longer it drags out, the more complicated it gets. At some point, they need a firm answer just to move forward with the rest of their offseason. Even with everything in place between Rodgers and McCarthy, it still feels like a return is the more likely outcome. Either way, a decision before the draft would give Pittsburgh the clarity it needs to get on with business.
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