Steelers owner on Aaron Rodgers: ‘I expect an answer’ by NFL draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers expect Aaron Rodgers will make his decision soon.

Owner and team president Art Rooney II said Tuesday at the NFL annual meetings in Phoenix that he believes Rodgers is close to a decision on whether to re-sign with the Steelers, retire or go elsewhere.

"I have not talked to him," Rooney told a group of reporters. "Coach (Mike McCarthy) has been in contact with him pretty regularly, and I think a decision is probably coming soon."

Asked whether the Rodgers question would be settled before the NFL draft, Rooney replied, "I would say by the draft, I expect an answer, yeah."

Rodgers, 42, joined the Steelers a year ago after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and two with the New York Jets. He helped Pittsburgh go 10-7 and win the AFC North, but after a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans to begin the playoffs, head coach Mike Tomlin resigned.

McCarthy told reporters earlier Tuesday that he did not want to discuss a timeline for Rodgers to make a decision, and on an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on March 4, Rodgers said he hadn't been given a deadline.

The Steelers brought back journeyman quarterback Mason Rudolph, who appeared in 26 games and started 14 for the Steelers from 2019-21, 2023 and 2025, last season. Will Howard is the only other quarterback on the roster.

Rodgers, the four-time MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler, completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Steelers last year.

Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft from April 23-25. The Steelers hold the 21st overall pick.

--Field Level Media