42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is giving major deja vu to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But now his waiting game has claimed its most prominent critic yet: Steelers icon Ben Roethlisberger. Frustrated with the lingering uncertainty, the former quarterback questioned the delay and urged Rodgers to make up his mind. With crucial roster decisions on the line, a lot hinges on the veteran’s decision.

“How is Aaron not coming back when you have those kinds of weapons?” Ben said on the Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast. “Like, what are we doing? There is no way he is not coming back. No way. I do think it’s a shoe-in. I don’t see how he doesn’t come back. Hey Aaron, just let us know, man. You know you can do that and just say, ‘Yeah, I am coming back.’”

To drive his point home, he stressed how powerful Pittsburgh’s offense could look. He pointed to proven players such as DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Roman Wilson as a major boost for any quarterback. Additionally, the team possesses twelve picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and has comfortable cap space. Mock drafts frequently pair Rodgers with Omar Cooper Jr (Indiana) or Makai Lemon(USC) to secure a long-term WR3 or future star.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Steelers could grab Jordyn Tyson in Round 1. The precise route runner would pair perfectly with DK Metcalf, giving Rodgers a top-tier target. Injuries are a concern, but if Tyson stays healthy, he could make Pittsburgh’s offense impossible to ignore. Among the veterans, Roman Wilson showed everyone last year what he was capable of with two scores for just 12 receptions, averaging 13.8 yards per catch.

Add to that, DK Metcalf’s consistent performances (never going below 850 yards a season), and the Steelers have reliable options for Rodgers. Roethlisberger believes the team could further target new young talent to fortify the group, suggesting Rodgers should feel confident and excited about the situation. As for the Steelers, they are trying not to get stuck in limbo, preparing for any outcome. Last year, Rodgers took over 80 days to agree to the one-year deal since the offseason began, which led to the Steelers missing out on Jaxson Dart. 

The Giants’ QB was widely projected to land with the Steelers with their No.21 pick. But Rodgers’ visit to the team’s facility gave former head coach Mike Tomlin immense confidence in landing the veteran. Sure, it turned out to be true, but at what cost? The Steelers don’t have any reliable QB behind Aaron Rodgers. Dart’s historic season with the Giants proves that he was totally ready to take the starting duties for the Steelers.

Instead, Mike McCarthy and his team are just waiting for the 42-year-old’s word. Currently, they have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the roster, and they could really do with some guidance. The team is exploring both free agency and the draft, knowing they can’t afford to wait too long without clarity. In the free market, they could target players such as Kirk Cousins or Mac Jones. Meanwhile, McCarthy also needs to face the harsh reality if Rodgers does return. He’ll be 43 during the 2026 season, making him the oldest signal caller in the league.

Despite his undeniable talent and experience, the team should make short-term plans while allowing him to mentor the existing young talent. It’s in their best interest to keep building their roster. Interestingly, Ben Roethlisberger’s message comes after another NFL legend vented his frustration with Rodgers’ attention-seeking behavior.

Rod Woodson urges Pittsburgh to set a deadline for Rodgers

For many, the Steelers’ playoff loss to the Houston Texans and Mike Tomlin’s resignation felt like a turning point. They believed it could prompt Aaron Rodgers to walk away from the franchise for good. After all, he explicitly said that he wanted to end his NFL career strong under Tomlin’s leadership. But then rumors of a potential reunion or Rodgers playing another season started popping up. Since then, the Steelers have been holding out hope for the QB, who many believe has lost the impact that once made him a Super Bowl champion.

Rodgers’ murky responses over the past few weeks have enraged many former Steelers. They believe the team must return to being a serious contender instead of waiting around. Among them, Hall of Famer Rod Woodson has been particularly vocal. He’s urging the organization to take control of the situation.

“Is he gonna play? Listen, I get kinda tired of it,” Woodson said on The Rich Eisen Show. “Listen, if he’s gonna play, say he’s gonna play, he’s gonna come back. And the team shouldn’t wait for Aaron Rodgers. They need to move forward.”

Top Stories

Pittsburgh Public Schools Forced Into Major Adjustment for Upcoming NFL Draft

Mark Davis Clarifies Position on Selling Raiders as NFL Prepares to Vote on Succession Contingency Plan

NFL Looking to Address Troy Aikman’s Role With Dolphins Amid ESPN Conflict of Interest – Report

Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift’s Wedding Plans Reportedly Confirmed Amid Chiefs TE Returns for 14th Season

“I Lost 8 Figures”: Giants Super Bowl Champ Reveals How He Overcame Career-Threatening Knee Injury

Woodson’s message is loud and clear: Set a firm deadline or move on. Part of the reason Pittsburgh is still considering Rodgers is the lack of strong quarterback options in the 2026 draft. Beyond Alabama’s Ty Simpson as a potential first-round pick and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in the second round, the remaining options appear quite bleak. But these can only be considered once Rodgers gives answers. Even with Rodgers, the team may not have true Super Bowl potential. With age catching up and his passing game becoming limited, the situation is even more complicated.