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NFLPreview
Steelers open minicamp without Aaron Rodgers indicating he'll sign, decision not expected before NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Pittsburgh Steelers begin minicamp without any update from Aaron Rodgers on his potential signing. His decision is not expected before the NFL Draft, leaving Will Howard as the starting quarterback for now.
Key points
- Steelers open minicamp under new head coach Mike McCarthy
- Aaron Rodgers has not indicated his playing status for 2026
- Will Howard will start at quarterback during minicamp
- Minicamp consists of voluntary walkthroughs and individual drills
- Steelers likely to draft an offensive lineman instead of a quarterback
Mentioned in this story
Aaron RodgersWill HowardMason Rudolph
Pittsburgh SteelersNFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers open a three-day minicamp on Monday under new head coach Mike McCarthy and will do so without any indication from quarterback Aaron Rodgers regarding his status for this season.
Rodgers has not informed the Steelers on whether he intends to play for them in 2026, and thus sign a new contract, according to NFL Networkâs Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. And that status isnât likely to change before the NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday.
As a result, Will Howard will get the starterâs work at quarterback. Mason Rudolph is the only other QB currently under contract with the Steelers.
This weekâs minicamp is considered voluntary and will consist of working on plays through walkthroughs, rather than team drills, 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 play. The three-day camp will also include individual and group instructions, in addition to some drills. However, offense facing defense in drills is not permitted at this stage of the offseason, per the NFLâs collective bargaining agreement.
Rodgersâ uncertain status raises the question of whether or not the Steelers might select a quarterback in the NFL Draft. However, they are not expected to use a first-round pick on the position in what is considered a weak class for QBs. Yahoo Sportsâ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald project Pittsburgh selecting an offensive lineman in their latest mock draft. If the Steelers do draft a QB, it will be in the later rounds.
Pittsburgh did not pursue a quarterback in free agency, which appears to indicate that the team expects Rodgers to return for his 22nd NFL season. Rodgers didnât sign with the Steelers last year until early June. This year, Pittsburghâs mandatory minicamp will be held from June 2-4 with the teamâs final Organized Team Activities scheduled for June 8-12.
Last season, Rodgers played in 16 games for the Steelers, completing 66% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Pittsburgh won the AFC North division with a 10-7 record before to the , 30-6.
Q&A
What is Aaron Rodgers' status with the Pittsburgh Steelers for 2026?
Aaron Rodgers has not communicated his intentions regarding playing for the Steelers in 2026, leaving his status uncertain.
Who will be the starting quarterback for the Steelers during minicamp?
Will Howard will take the starter's role at quarterback during the Steelers' minicamp.
Are the Steelers expected to draft a quarterback in the NFL Draft?
The Steelers are not expected to use a first-round pick on a quarterback due to the weak class, but they may consider selecting one in the later rounds.
