Should the Pittsburgh Steelers close the door on Aaron Rodgers?

The NFL has had a busy week of transactions. Teams haven’t just signed free agents — they’ve also pulled off several trades.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have stayed active on both fronts. They signed players such as Jamel Dean and Rico Dowdle and also traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

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The biggest question, however, remains the quarterback position. Once again, the situation revolves around veteran Aaron Rodgers.

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) greets Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers following their AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Here we go again?

Last year, Rodgers dragged the process out before finally signing a one-year deal just before minicamps began. Now he appears undecided about whether he wants to play in 2026.

The hesitation makes sense. Rodgers is 43, approaching 44, and injuries have piled up over the past few seasons. That kind of wear and tear takes its toll.

What doesn’t make sense is why the Steelers seem willing to go through this process again.

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Quarterbacks have already flown off the market, and Pittsburgh may not even have a realistic shot at the draft’s QB2. Instead, the team finds itself browsing the aging veteran shelf again — Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, or maybe Jimmy Garoppolo.

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

What more could you need?

Rodgers would return to a familiar head coach and a revamped supporting cast. The Steelers upgraded the wide receiver and running back rooms, and the defense made several strong additions as well.

So what’s the holdup? Is he playing or not?

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The Steelers need to set a deadline or move on. Rodgers may still represent their best option, but they can’t let this drag on the way it did in 2025.

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on after the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Rodgers gave the Steelers competent quarterback play last season, but that doesn’t mean he should hold the team’s plans hostage.

Should Pittsburgh close the door? Probably not yet. But the Steelers need Rodgers to be clear about his plans.

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