It was another sputtered ending to the Pittsburgh Steelers' season, despite Aaron Rodgers turning back the clock. The team continues to struggle in the postseason, which prompted significant changes within the organization. Mike Tomlin has stepped down, and now the franchise is uncertain whether Rodgers intends to return as the starting quarterback next season.
According to a new rumor, we should find out in the coming weeks.
Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan presents himself as an insider, but his accuracy is inconsistent, and much of the information he shares is incorrect. His newest rumor, which he was told by his insider, Jeff Hathhorn, claims Steelers general manager Omar Khan has told Rodgers they won't wait as long as last year. There is a clear deadline for him this time around, and they are not willing to wait.
Report: Our Steelers insider Jeff Hathorn says Omar Khan let Aaron Rodgers know that they need a decision "in a month". So before free agency.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) January 28, 2026
That's a far cry from last year. pic.twitter.com/faakAtnNDR
It will be interesting to see if the aging gunslinger returns for what would be his 22nd season in the NFL. With the vast amount of connections joining the Steelers with Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, Rodgers might be more willing to return compared to when Tomlin announced he would be stepping down. Whether Rodgers’ return is the right decision remains a topic of debate.
Pittsburgh Steelers may finally put their foot down and set a hard deadline for Aaron Rodgers
Whether this information that Fillipponi announced is true or not is anyone's guess. Only time will tell. But if this information is accurate and Khan did speak with Rodgers to request his decision before free agency begins, we could know the future of Rodgers’ relationship with the Steelers within the next six weeks.
Free agency kicks off in early March, which fits the rumored timing.
For those wondering, NFL teams can start negotiating with pending free agents from other clubs on March 9. Pittsburgh would certainly want to know what Rodgers has planned for himself by then. If the future Hall of Fame quarterback fails to reach a decision by that date, Pittsburgh would be wise to assume he isn't returning. They must look out for their best interests and not let him dictate things.
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Free agency officially opens on March 11, but by that time, most of the headlining names will be set to sign their contracts. The early negotiating period is when news about free-agent signings begins to pick up momentum. The Steelers could extend Rodgers' decision point until March 11, but that would be unwise.
If they prefer to add a veteran free agent at the start of free agency, they must do that starting on March 9.
It's refreshing to see Khan dictate how this entire situation with Rodgers will go if this rumor is true. Steelers Nation reached the point of exhaustion last offseason when the elderly quarterback continued to delay the signing process because of a personal matter. With Tomlin no longer in charge, Rodgers’ plans remain unclear. However, if this rumor is true, we should have an answer soon.