Aaron Rodgers keeps the uncertainty by not yet informing the Pittsburgh Steelers whether he will play during the 2026 season. Given this scenario, team owner Art Rooney told reporters on Tuesday that there is already a deadline for the veteran quarterback.

“I have not talked to him. Coach McCarthy has been in contact with him pretty regularly and I think a decision is probably coming soon.” After that response, Brooke Pryor followed up by asking Rooney if he anticipated hearing one way or the other by the 2026 NFL Draft. “I would say by the Draft, I expect an answer. Yeah.”

The 2026 NFL draft will begin in three weeks in Pittsburgh, leaving the Super Bowl champion quarterback with very little time to decide his future. According to Rooney, they will not wait any longer.

Will Aaron Rodgers return in 2026?

Aaron Rodgers has not yet confirmed if he will return in 2026 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The only thing that has been made public is that the veteran has spoken several times with the team’s head coach, Mike McCarthy, but the quarterback himself has also mentioned that there has been no progress in the contract talks. Rodgers’ decision could come down to money.

Who will be Steelers starting quarterback in 2026?

Aaron Rodgers has priority to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback, according to what the team’s owner and head coach have mentioned. However, if he does not decide quickly or retires, Will Howard could take the reins in his second year in the league, or the Steelers could pivot in free agency to a name like Kirk Cousins.