Aaron Rodgers Still Radio Silent and the Steelers Are Running Out of Time Before the Draft

Here's the thing about Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh: nobody knows what's happening, and the Steelers are about to walk into the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday without an answer. The 42-year-old free agent has gone quiet on his future, and even though GM Omar Khan said he expected to know Rodgers' plans before the draft kicked off, NFL Network reported Monday that the call still hasn't come in.

Rodgers Opened the Door, Then Walked Out

The guy signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh after the 2025 draft and was clear about one thing: Mike Tomlin was a huge reason he picked the Steelers. But here's where it gets messy. Tomlin is gone. New head coach Mike McCarthy, who used to run things in Green Bay, is in. Rodgers said he's open to reuniting with McCarthy, which should matter. Owner Art Rooney II even framed the team's expectations around Rodgers deciding things before the draft started.

Except he hasn't called.

The Steelers Can't Wait Forever

Rodgers put up 3,322 passing yards and 24 touchdowns last season and led Pittsburgh to the AFC North division title. That's not nothing. But if he's got other options on the table, he's keeping them locked down. Meanwhile, the Steelers are moving forward like he might not be coming back. McCarthy is apparently high on former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, who was running first-team reps at minicamp on Monday.

Pittsburgh also swung a trade to bring in wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Colts to pair with their top target. Organized team activities start in mid-May, and mandatory minicamp runs June 2-4. The clock is ticking, and the Steelers need answers. Until Rodgers picks up the phone, they're stuck in limbo heading into draft night.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.