Steelers' Mike McCarthy coy on Aaron Rodgers future

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) audibles during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback position is starting to become the most talked-about position in football. Mainly because we have no idea how it will eventually land.

Aaron Rodgers is no closer to a decision on his future, leaving the franchise in no man's land at the position, with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard as the other quarterbacks McCarthy could go with in 2026.

But surely the time for Rodgers to announce his 2026 intentions is coming soon, right? After all, the NFL Draft is only a month away.

For McCarthy, the thought of linking up with Rodgers in Pittsburgh is interesting.

"Yes, it would be a great story," McCarthy said, via ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I don't know -- and I would love to tell everybody with breaking news. But, you know, it's really cool to see Aaron at 42. To see a young man at 22 and all of what he's been able to accomplish and where he's at in his personal life, and trying to make this decision. He's in a really good place."

More: Bills urged to trade for stud defensive tackle for Super Bowl tilt

Steelers stuck in waiting game

We get the sense the Steelers want Rodgers to return. He does give them the best chance at winning football games over Rudolph and Howard.

But does he give the Steelers the best chance at winning long-term? That's a no.

The Steelers are waiting to see what Rodgers does, rightly or wrongly, and we aren't sure if that is the right move. Pittsburgh has been in quarterback purgatory for so long; this felt like the time to escape it.

But it appears the franchise is content to run it back with Rodgers.

Make of that what you will.

More NFL news:

• Analyst makes stunning 49ers prediction based on 1 free agency move
• Patriots' $70 million WR has landed in perfect spot claims analyst
• Shocking stat reveals why Broncos a prime regression candidate in 2026
• Commanders continue to be linked with star WR in free agency
• Ravens' reason for hope down to 1 key player 
• Analyst has high hopes for 2026 Chiefs thanks to 1 free agency signing
• Analyst reveals favorite Chiefs move of offseason