Steelers trust Aaron Rodgers is ready, per Mike McCarthy

The Pittsburgh Steelers are days away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and Aaron Rodgers still hasn’t made a decision regarding his playing future. Call it deja vu, but Mike McCarthy isn’t blinking as Rodgers speculation continues to run rampant in the Steel City. McCarthy, who coached Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers for 13 years, believes the veteran quarterback is more prepared than some realize and is comfortable giving him space.

“I think Aaron is probably more in tune than we would realize, but I have confidence in where he would be the day he would arrive if that's his decision,” McCarthy told reporters. “… I'm comfortable with where we are, and, you know, giving [Rodgers] the space to make his decision. ” In 2025, the Rodgers waiting game lasted almost two months until the veteran quarterback finally signed with the Steelers in June.

He threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns in his debut season with Pittsburgh. While some Steelers fans wish Rodgers would put his decision-making process into overdrive, McCarthy is clearly comfortable with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph getting additional first-team training reps, which may actually be beneficial for the time being. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers comfortable giving Aaron Rodgers space, McCarthy says