New Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said he’s spoken with a “really engaged” Aaron Rodgers “every couple of days” as the veteran quarterback weighs retirement or a 22nd NFL season, according to ESPN.
McCarthy, who coached Rodgers for 13 years in Green Bay, explained Monday that he’s “comfortable with the dialogue” thus far, and that their conversations have been similar to ones they’ve had in years past.
“Just like they always are, life, football, what’s going on at the facility,” McCarthy said of his communication with Rodgers this offseason. “So he’s really engaged with what’s going on.
” … I would just say he’s in a very positive space. We’ll just continue to engage in conversations.”
McCarthy wouldn’t elaborate further while speaking at the annual NFL meeting in Phoenix.
“I think he’s in a really good spot in his life,” the coach said, “but he’s 42.”
McCarthy added that he and general manager Omar Khan have discussed scenarios if Rodgers decides to retire.
“I think like anything, people talk about having a plan,” he said. “I think you have to have a system of player acquisition. We do every position. So you got to be able to adjust. You got to be proactive with that thought process. … There really aren’t too many scenarios we haven’t talked about.”
Steelers owner Art Rooney II said “all options are on the table” when asked Monday if the club would consider taking a quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft, which begins April 23 in Pittsburgh.
Rooney told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Sunday that “I expect something before the draft” from Rodgers on his future.
“When I talked to him and [general manager] Omar [Khan] talked to him, he told us he wasn’t going to take as long this year as he did last year [to make a decision],” Rooney said. “I’m not 100% sure what that means, but I expect something before the draft.”
During a March 4 appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the former four-time MVP said he had been in talks with McCarthy and Khan — adding that there was “no deadline” or contract offer presented to him at the time.
Rodgers added that he was enjoying his offseason and spending time with his wife.
Rodgers is a free agent after signing a one-year, $13.65 million contract with Pittsburgh for the 2025-26 season.
He threw 24 touchdowns to seven interceptions in 16 games with the Steelers.
