Steelers’ Rooney expects decision from Rodgers before draft

PHOENIX — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ latest stint in quarterback limbo may soon come to an end.

Steelers owner and team president Art Rooney II said Tuesday he anticipates a decision from four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers about his future by next month’s NFL draft.

“I would say by the draft, I expect an answer,” Rooney said at the league’s annual meeting.

Hosted in Pittsburgh this year, the NFL draft kicks off April 23. On Monday, Steelers general manager Omar Khan said “all options are on the table” when asked if the team would consider drafting a quarterback to join a room that also includes 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and veteran backup Mason Rudolph.

Rodgers, who spent the 2025 season with the Steelers after a prolonged offseason courtship, has been weighing his options for the upcoming season over the past two months.

“There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me,” Rodgers told Pat McAfee in an interview on March 4. “There’s no contract offer or anything, so there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between. I’m a free agent. … I’m enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason.”

Rooney added that he hasn’t talked to the quarterback, but Rodgers remains in contact with coach Mike McCarthy.

“I think the decision’s probably coming soon,” Rooney said.

Earlier in the day, McCarthy said he talked to Rodgers on Monday night, but he didn’t get into specifics about the 42-year-old’s decision-making process.

“I’m not going to really get into timelines,” McCarthy said at the AFC coaches breakfast Tuesday morning. “We’re in constant communication. Talked to him last night. So I mean, so we’re in a good space and we’ll just continue to work through it.”

McCarthy added that he didn’t tell Rodgers that he has been a hot topic of conversation at the annual meeting, but cheekily added, “He says hello.”