The Pittsburgh Steelers have dominated headlines throughout the 2026 offseason, as the NFL world anxiously awaits clarity on the team’s starting quarterback for the upcoming season. With Will Howard and Mason Rudolph currently under contract, and the coaching staff holding Will Howard in high regard, the organization’s primary hope remains that four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers will decide to continue his playing career and return to Pittsburgh on another contract.

Rodgers, a free agent, is still weighing retirement. However, if he elects to keep playing, all signs point to Pittsburgh as his most likely destination. The franchise has been transparent: it wants a firm decision from the veteran before the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled to begin on April 23.

Beat writer Mark Kaboly appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Friday afternoon and offered a bold new prediction that could ease some of the suspense.

“This is my new prediction, it’s not any insider knowledge,” Kaboly said. “They have their first on-field practice the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before the draft. I think he will be there. Which is what, April 20th, 21st, and 22nd. So, three weeks.”

Those dates correspond precisely to the Steelers’ voluntary minicamp — an opportunity available to teams with new head coaches. Pittsburgh hired Mike McCarthy in January 2026 following Mike Tomlin’s departure, making this early on-field work a valuable window for installation and chemistry-building.

Kaboly’s timeline aligns closely with the expectations set by Team President and Owner Art Rooney II, who has emphasized the need for Rodgers to provide clarity before the draft. This would give the front office greater flexibility in draft preparations. Should Rodgers opt not to return, the team could pivot toward drafting a mid-round quarterback to complement or compete with the current options.

When pressed on the reasoning behind his forecast, Kaboly remained measured but confident in the mutual understanding between the parties.

“Well, nothing gives me 100 percent faith that he’ll be there,” he said. “The only thing that I have about 100 percent faith in is both sides know that they’re coming. It’s just a matter of when.”

Why the urgency this offseason?

Rodgers originally signed with the Steelers in the 2025 offseason, joining near the start of mandatory minicamp in early June. This year, however, his presence carries even greater weight. The Steelers are transitioning to a new offensive scheme under McCarthy, who will serve as the play-caller. This system is one Rodgers knows intimately from their successful years together in Green Bay, where they collaborated on a Super Bowl-winning team.

Having Rodgers on the field during these early voluntary sessions would allow him to accelerate the learning curve for younger offensive players, foster leadership, and help realign with McCarthy on scheme details. The familiarity could prove pivotal in achieving quicker on-field success once the regular season begins.

Rodgers himself previously cited his respect for Tomlin as a key factor in choosing Pittsburgh in 2025. Tomlin’s exit initially raised questions about the quarterback’s future, but McCarthy’s arrival — as Rodgers’ longtime former head coach — has reignited optimism about a reunion.

While Kaboly stressed that his prediction stems from logical deduction rather than private information, the broader sentiment around the organization suggests both sides anticipate Rodgers’ return. The focus now centers on timing, contract details, and ensuring the veteran quarterback can contribute meaningfully during the critical preseason buildup.

As the voluntary minicamp approaches in mid-April, Steelers fans may not have to wait much longer for resolution. If Kaboly’s decoded timeline holds, Aaron Rodgers could be back in the Steel City sooner than many expect — locking in Pittsburgh’s quarterback plans just days before the draft kicks off and reshaping the team’s approach to the 2026 season.