Aaron Rodgers' act is tired, but Pittsburgh Steelers share blame | Opinion

TL;DR

Aaron Rodgers continues to dominate headlines with his indecision about playing in 2026, leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers in a difficult position ahead of the NFL draft. The Steelers share some responsibility for the ongoing drama surrounding Rodgers.

Key points

Aaron Rodgers is uncertain about playing in 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers are affected by Rodgers' indecision
Steelers share responsibility for the ongoing drama
The NFL draft adds pressure to the Steelers' decisions

Mentioned in this story

Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers

Easy as it is to fault Aaron Rodgers for the most insufferable soap opera in NFL history, the Pittsburgh Steelers deserve equal billing in the latest episode.

Rodgers is never going to act in someone else’s best interest, and he’s always going to find a way to stay in the spotlight. This offseason is no different. Having already left the Steelers in limbo during free agency over his intentions to either play in 2026 or retire, he seems set to do it again for this week’s NFL draft.

No big deal. It’s just the most important position on Pittsburgh’s roster, and every personnel move the Steelers make or, in this case don’t make, is amplified because they’re hosting this year’s draft.

It’s vintage Rodgers, as predictable as it is tiresome.

Steelers chose another offseason of Aaron Rodgers speculation

But the Steelers are not helpless here. They could have called Rodgers’ bluff weeks ago and given him a deadline. They could have pursued Kirk Cousins or Kyler Murray in free agency. Heck, they could have set the tone with Rodgers by showing some backbone last season, when he hemmed and hawed for months until finally signing a contract in June.

Instead, they’re letting Rodgers do what he does. Control the narrative regardless of the impact on anyone else.

“I think a decision is coming soon,” Steelers owner Art Rooney II told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor at the NFL’s annual meeting last month. “I would say by the draft I would expect an answer."

Q&A

Why is Aaron Rodgers causing controversy for the Steelers?

Aaron Rodgers is creating controversy by not clarifying his intentions about playing in 2026, which leaves the Steelers uncertain about their roster decisions.

How does Aaron Rodgers' indecision impact the Steelers' draft plans?

Rodgers' indecision complicates the Steelers' draft plans as they need to make critical personnel decisions without knowing if he will play.

What role do the Pittsburgh Steelers play in the Aaron Rodgers situation?

The Steelers share blame for the ongoing speculation about Rodgers, as their lack of decisive action has allowed the drama to continue.

What are the implications of the Steelers hosting the NFL draft this year?

Hosting the NFL draft amplifies the pressure on the Steelers to make informed decisions about their roster, particularly regarding the quarterback position.