For an interview that aired on Monday, Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II said that he could not “put an exact day on” when outsiders will learn whether or not the club will have veteran Aaron Rodgers as its starting quarterback later this year.
During a Tuesday appearance on Pittsburgh’s 102.5 WDVE, Rooney hinted that he has an idea of when a Rodgers decision could be made public.
Is there a time frame for the final Aaron Rodgers decision?
“I wish I could tell you we’re at the end of the discussion, but we’re still talking to Aaron, and he’s still deciding what he wants to do,” Rooney explained, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. “I think we’re close. He’s kind of told us his time frame and what he’s going to be up to over the next couple weeks. So I think we’ll have an answer soon, let’s put it that way.”
Last offseason, Rodgers remained unsigned until just before the Steelers’ mandatory minicamp began in June. However, then-Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin later admitted that he “knew something” about Rodgers’ intentions before the 2025 draft got underway.
A new Aaron Rodgers hint emerges
During Tuesday’s segment, Rooney was asked if a Rodgers decision could be made before organized team practice activities start up.
“Warm,” Rooney responded. “You’d be warm.”
According to ESPN, the Steelers’ OTA offseason workouts kick off on May 18. Their mandatory minicamp is scheduled to run from June 2 through June 4, but Pittsburgh also has additional OTA workouts set to take place on June 8, June 9, June 11 and June 12.
While Rooney indicated that he truly hasn’t been promised that Rodgers will be back atop the depth chart by the time the Steelers’ summer break begins in June, these latest comments could lead one to believe that the future Hall of Famer simply doesn’t want to participate in at least some voluntary workouts.
For now, 2025 rookie Will Howard is serving as the Steelers’ QB1 for bonus minicamp sessions. That said, the AFC North club is expected to acquire a quarterback prospect at some point during this year’s draft. The player-selection process will be held in Pittsburgh from Thursday through Saturday.