Easy as it is to faultAaron Rodgersfor the most insufferable soap opera in NFL history, thePittsburgh Steelersdeserve equal billing in the latest episode.
Rodgers is never going to act in someone else’s best interest, and he’s always going to find a way to stay in the spotlight. This offseason is no different. Having already left theSteelersin limbo during free agency over his intentions to either play in 2026 or retire,he seems set to do it againfor this week’s NFL draft.
No big deal. It’s just the most important position on Pittsburgh’s roster, and every personnel move the Steelers make or, in this case don’t make, is amplified because they’re hosting this year’s draft.
It’svintage Rodgers, as predictable as it is tiresome.
Steelers chose another offseason of Aaron Rodgers speculation
But the Steelers are not helpless here. They could have called Rodgers’ bluff weeks ago and given him a deadline. They could have pursuedKirk CousinsorKyler Murrayin free agency. Heck, they could have set the tone with Rodgers by showing some backbone last season, when he hemmed and hawed for months until finallysigning a contract in June.
Instead, they’re letting Rodgers do what he does. Control the narrative regardless of the impact on anyone else.
“I think a decision is coming soon,”Steelers owner Art Rooney II told ESPN’s Brooke Pryorat the NFL’s annual meeting last month. “I would say by the draft I would expect an answer."
Yet here we are.
Steelers don't have great QB options beyond Aaron Rodgers' return
It is, of course, Rodgers’ prerogative to take the time he needs to make his decision. Sit with his feelings, have his chakras read, whatever it is he does that gives him clarity. Or maybe, similar to last year, he and the Steelers have an understanding and he’ll re-sign when those annoying offseason workouts are over.
That wouldn’t be a surprise, given Rodgers' history with newSteelers head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy was Rodgers’ first NFL coach, and the two won a Super Bowl together in Green Bay.
“I have not talked to (Rodgers),” Rooney said at the annual meeting. “(McCarthy) has been in contact with him pretty regularly."
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But nothing is ever done until it’s actually done, and we’re not talking about the backup kicker here.
If Rodgers doesn’t re-up, Pittsburgh’s choices are to hopeWill Howardturns out to be as good as a certain other sixth-round QB from a Big Ten school or hopeMason Rudolphturns out to be more than a career backup.
Not great options, either one of them.
New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Jayden Daniels #5 after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
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New York Giants
Jaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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Tennessee Titans
Head coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.
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Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
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Las Vegas Raiders
Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a missed field goal during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 07, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
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Miami Dolphins
De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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New York Jets
Head coach Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 09, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Aaron Rodgers' best days are behind him
And say Rodgers does decide he wants to play this season. Apologies to Steelers fans, but he’s not going to pull off a Tom Brady and take Pittsburgh to the Super Bowl.
Rodgers is still a better QB than many, and his mind and experience was enough to overcome his physical limitations last year and get the Steelers to the playoffs. Pittsburgh also could do worse than having Howard learn behind Rodgers for a second year.
But at 42, the four-time MVP’s best years are behind him. Rodgers doesn’t have the mobility that once made him so dangerous, and his stats last year were good, not great. His last throw in Pittsburgh’s loss to the Houston Texans in the wild-card game wasan interception.
Even if Rodgers takes the Steelers to the playoffs again, then what? Another offseason of “will he or won’t he”? Another season of kicking the proverbial can down the road?
At best, Rodgers is a Band-Aid. Just as Russell Wilson was intended to be.
The Steelers should have done what Rodgers’ old team did: Draft their franchise QB’s replacement while they still had him. But they didn’t do that. So here they sit, willing hostages to the whims of an aging quarterback.
It's a circus, and the Steelers were happy to pay the admission.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Pittsburgh Steelers willing hostages in Aaron Rodgers drama
Easy as it is to faultAaron Rodgersfor the most insufferable soap opera in NFL history, thePittsburgh Steelersdeserve equal billing in ...
