Steelers’ Art Rooney II gives updated timeline on Aaron Rodgers saga

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Another day, another bit of speculation regarding Aaron Rodgers' NFL future.

At least this time, it's coming from the Steelers' owner.

Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, team president Art Rooney II told the paper that he expects the veteran quarterback to have made up his mind on a return before the NFL Draft.

When I talked to him and Omar [Khan] talked to him, he told us he wasn't going to take as long this year as he did last year [to make a decision]," Rooney said per Dulac. I'm not 100% sure what that means, but I expect something before the draft."

This year, the draft will take place in Pittsburgh starting April 23. And of course, when Rodgers tells the team his decision, it might not be reported to the public until later.

Last year, Rodgers officially joined the Steelers on June 6, but reporting from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer later revealed that the team had been confident he would sign well in advance. This time, if you take Rooney's words at face value, the team isn't quite as sure.

Rodgers is 42. In 2025 with the Steelers, he passed for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

There's definitely a decompressing period that goes on with the older guys (after the season)," new Steelers head coach McCarthy told ESPN Milwaukee in February, and that's where we are."