NFL: No deadline, contract from Steelers— Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers remains open to a possible reunion with Mike McCarthy, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have not extended a contract offer or set a deadline for the 42-year-old quarterback’s 2026 plans.

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show Wednesday, Rodgers said he isn’t ready to make any decisions until he can talk with all NFL teams on March 9, when unrestricted free agents are allowed to discuss contract terms. Signings for the new league year begin March 11.

“There’s no contract offer or anything, so there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between,” Rodgers said about playing a second season in Pittsburgh. “I’m a free agent. I’m enjoying my time with my wife and enjoying this part of the offseason. There hasn’t been any progressive conversations, and no deadline has been set.”

Last season, Rodgers threw 24 touchdown passes and seven interceptions, helping the Steelers win the AFC North and reach the playoffs.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan said the team would not wait indefinitely for Rodgers to decide on a 22nd NFL season. Rodgers did not sign with Pittsburgh last spring as expected; his official one-year deal was finalized only on June 5. Three weeks later, he hinted that the 2025 season might be his last.

Khan noted that Rodgers “knows where we stand.” McCarthy, who replaced Mike Tomlin as head coach at the end of 2025, previously coached Rodgers for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and has been in contact about a potential 2026 reunion.

“Mike’s one of the great guys in the league,” Rodgers said. “He really cares about the players, holds guys accountable, and creates structure and details in the process. I loved my time with Mike. Like a big brother, sometimes you love him, sometimes you’re pissed at him. But deep down, there’s so much love and appreciation for the time we spent together.”

Regarding his preparation for next season, Rodgers joked that he’s staying in shape, but “for marital reasons” rather than football—at least for now.

—Field Level Media/Reuters