Instead of just getting a straight answer from the Pittsburgh Steelers — or from Aaron Rodgers himself — about their 42-year-old quarterback’s plans to play or retire in 2026, we are forced to follow a trail of bread crumbs for information.

Rodgers reportedly could let the Steelers know whether or not he will return to the team for another season "at some point before the draft" and maybe before the "end of this month." Meanwhile, Cousins may be willing to wait "through the offseason for some team's situation to change in his favor.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are exploring backup quarterback options amid growing uncertainty about Aaron Rodgers and his decision for the 2026 season. Veteran names like Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo have emerged as potential short-term solutions.

To the delight of Pittsburgh Steelers fans, Will Howard and Aaron Rodgers were recently spotted at a flag football charity event.

McCarthy was Rodgers' head coach when they were employed by the Packers from 2006 through a portion of the 2018 season.