The Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers are once again playing the waiting game with each other, as the two sides have yet to agree on a new deal for the 2026 season. After a months-long saga last offseason that saw Rodgers wait until June to make his decision, fans are understandably nervous that he could drag the process out this time as well.
Luckily for both the Steelers and their fanbase, it sounds like a decision will be coming much earlier this time. While appearing on NFL Network's coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine, Ian Rapoport had this to say about where things stand between Rodgers and the team.
"He's had positive discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his old friend Mike McCarthy. Surely an answer is coming before free agency."
From our NFL Combine coverage on @NFLNetwork: A discussion with Chris Rose and Charles Davis of where #Bama QB Ty Simpson might land, plus what's out there in free agency? pic.twitter.com/VlklsQGDwI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers should know what Aaron Rodgers plans are before free agency kicks off
If Rapoport's report is accurate, it would change the narrative around the Steelers' offseason entirely. All we have heard from both general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike McCarthy is that they would love to have him back, despite what was just a middling season by the aging veteran.
If their stated goal of remaining competitive is really what they are trying to do, why run it back with an even older version of Rodgers? Or, at least, have that be Plan A? The familiarity with McCarthy is an obvious factor, but no amount of changes on offense will override the fact that Rodgers will turn 43 next season.
However, setting a hard line on when a decision needs to be made implies that they at least have other options they are interested in exploring, whether that is through free agency, the draft, or a trade. That wasn't the case a season ago, unless you consider low-balling Justin Fields or bringing back Mason Rudolph as believable Plan Bs.
Rodgers knew that Pittsburgh had no other realistic choice, but now it seems like it may be the other way around. When Rapoport was asked if it was "Steelers or nothing" for him, he had this to say.
"That's what it feels like, yeah. Pittsburgh or nothing."
Now, that may just mean he would only want to play for the Steelers if he is going to keep playing at all, but it's not like teams were knocking down his door a year ago. It sounds like the four-time MVP's decision comes down to Pittsburgh or retirement.