PITTSBURGH — Mike McCarthy isn’t sweating the clock. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show Monday, the new Steelers head coach confirmed he remains in constant contact with Aaron Rodgers, but the veteran quarterback has not yet committed to the 2026 NFL season. After a 10-7 campaign that ended in a 30-6 Wild Card drubbing by the Houston Texans, the Steel City is waiting for a signal from its 42-year-old signal-caller.
Weekly Chats and a Shared History
McCarthy and Rodgers share a bond that stretches back to Green Bay in 2006. That history is the primary reason Pittsburgh feels comfortable giving Rodgers all the time he needs. The Steelers hired McCarthy to lead this new era after Mike Tomlin retired in January, a move many viewed as a direct pitch to keep Rodgers in black and gold.
The numbers from last year suggest Rodgers still has gas in the tank. In 16 starts, he went 10-6, racking up 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. While the offense sputtered in the playoffs against Houston’s top-ranked defense, Rodgers proved he can still navigate a divisional title run in the AFC North. For now, the Steelers are operating with a “patient but prepared” mindset as the April draft nears.
“I’ve talked to Aaron regularly and will continue to do so and we’re just working through it. When it’s time to fully address it we will, but it’s a process that he’s going through and I’m comfortable with it. We’ve had very, very positive conversations on a weekly basis.”
— Mike McCarthy, Steelers Head Coach
Draft Pressure and the Road Ahead
The Steelers hold the 17th overall pick in the upcoming draft, and the clock is ticking on their contingency plan. If Rodgers opts for retirement or a change of scenery, General Manager Omar Khan must decide if he will trade up for a top prospect like Bryce Young or look toward the veteran market. The chemistry between McCarthy and Rodgers is a powerful magnet, but the NFL is a business that waits for no one.
Inside the facility, the vibe remains focused. McCarthy has already finalized a staff that includes Patrick Graham as Defensive Coordinator and Brian Angelichio on offense—a group built to support a veteran-led roster. The chill of that January loss in Houston still lingers, and whether Rodgers returns to avenge it remains the biggest question in Pennsylvania sports.
