Both sides of this extended dance have been right here before, having dallied with one another for months presently a 12 months in the past before finally committing to a season-long partnership. A second spin appeared implausible seven months in the past, however after Rodgers helped the Steelers attain the postseason in 2025, mutual curiosity appeared between the 2 events each before and after Pittsburgh made the stunning resolution to hire McCarthy, the hometown child with a face that’s acutely acquainted to Rodgers.
Pittsburgh appeared assured sufficient for Steelers proprietor Art Rooney II to publicly state in late March he anticipated a solution from Rodgers “by the draft,” but it now appears the Steelers will have to proceed to attend.
They’ve considerably hedged towards this (and a worst-case state of affairs of Rodgers not returning to soccer in any respect) by pushing a story of rising confidence in Howard, a Day 3 choose in 2025 (185th general) who noticed zero regular-season motion as a rookie, however has in some way managed to impress your complete group. He’ll logically man the QB1 position in spring exercises and will discover himself in an surprising battle for the beginning job in July and August if Rodgers’ absence continues.
Still, that is a secondary plan at finest, one which the Steelers would possibly have to organize for by choosing one other developmental QB prospect and push a potential roster restrict battle (i.e., commerce Rudolph elsewhere on the finish of camp) into the late phases of summer time. Without a assure from Rodgers previous to the draft, all the things turns into a bit much less steady, even when solely briefly.
Then once more, it would not be an offseason with out weeks spent questioning about Rodgers’ future. Pittsburgh will do its finest to navigate the tiresome interval whereas additionally holding an eye fixed on the long run.
