Steelers Open Door for Aaron Rodgers: What It Really Means for the Future

Steelers GM Reflects on Quarterback Situation

As Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan addressed the media at the NFL scouting combine, memories of the previous seasons resurfaced. Two years ago, the Steelers were struggling with a bottom-10 offense led by quarterback Kenny Pickett. A reporter had asked Khan if he had full confidence in Pickett as he approached Year 3.

“We have — I have full faith in Kenny,” Khan stated on February 29, 2024. “He’s shown us some good things, and obviously there were some issues with the offense. And I’m excited about the impact that Arthur Smith’s going to have on him.”

Changes in the Quarterback Room

Less than two weeks after Khan’s endorsement, the Steelers signed quarterback Justin Fields, and by March 15, Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, with Russell Wilson joining the Steelers shortly after. Khan’s assurance of “full faith” in Pickett quickly lost its weight.

Future of Aaron Rodgers

This week, Khan was asked about the prospects of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers returning for another season. The Steelers signed Rodgers last season to a one-year deal after he expressed interest in playing for head coach Mike Tomlin. Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, leading the Steelers to a playoff berth but suffering a home wild-card loss.

After Tomlin’s departure, team owner Art Rooney II noted, “Aaron came here to play for Mike, so I think it will most likely affect his decision.”

Open Door for Rodgers

Khan indicated that the Steelers are open to Rodgers returning. “The door’s open to have Aaron back,” he said. “I’ve had conversations with him. I spoke to him last week. Mike McCarthy has spoken to him, and he knows how we feel about him. Right now we’re proceeding [like] he’s a free agent and he’s on the roster.”

Khan’s comments suggest that the decision lies with Rodgers, but the Steelers cannot afford to delay their plans. Rooney’s choice to hire McCarthy indicates a desire to win now rather than enter a rebuild.

Quarterback Draft and Free Agency Considerations

The Steelers selected Ohio State’s Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but a fractured finger limited his exposure. The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is considered weak at quarterback, while the 2027 class is seen as more promising. This could either prompt the Steelers to seek Rodgers as a bridge quarterback or to hand the reins to Howard with the understanding that better options may emerge the following year.

“Like all the fans, we’re all searching for the next franchise player,” Khan said. “We don’t know if it might be Will. Unfortunately, he got hurt and we didn’t get a chance to see him in preseason, but we’ve watched his progression in practice and it’s been exciting.”

Exploring Other Quarterback Options

Khan also mentioned the possibility of acquiring a free-agent quarterback. He highlighted the “flexibility” the Steelers have without committing to a high-salaried quarterback. Even if they pursued someone like Malik Willis, the cost would be significantly lower than the top-tier quarterbacks in the league.

Khan was asked if Rodgers’ options were limited to the Steelers or retirement, and he stated, “That’s a question for Aaron. He knows how we feel, and I think we know how he feels about us.”

Timeline for Decision

Khan expressed that he does not expect the decision-making process to drag on as it did last year. “The circumstances are a little different,” he noted. “But just conversations we had, I think neither side wants to have this drag on like it did last year.”

With free agency approaching, a timely decision from Rodgers would clarify the Steelers’ options before other quarterbacks secure new contracts. The Atlanta Falcons confirmed they are releasing veteran Kirk Cousins, which will affect the quarterback market.

Conclusion

While the Steelers maintain they are keeping the door open for Rodgers, their actions in free agency and the draft could tell a different story. Are they truly focused solely on Rodgers for their 2026 quarterback? Fans may want to temper their expectations.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.