And then there was one.
Aaron Rodgers stands as the lone veteran quarterback in the NFL free agency pool with a realistic shot at starting. While Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are also searching for teams in 2026, it’s Rodgers who holds the spotlight, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the mix.
Kirk Cousins' recent move might just be the final piece in the ongoing Rodgers-Steelers narrative. Last week, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer mentioned on The Rich Eisen Show that Cousins was a solid option for the Steelers if Rodgers decided not to re-sign. But that option is now off the table.
Cousins, at 37, inked a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, while the contract is technically a five-year, $172 million deal, it’s essentially a one-year, fully-guaranteed $20 million agreement.
This move all but confirms what many have speculated for months: Rodgers is likely to either re-sign with the Steelers or retire. Following the 2026 NFL Combine, NBC Sports' Matthew Berry noted that Rodgers seemed inclined to play his 22nd NFL season, with Pittsburgh being his sole destination.
Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward shared on his podcast that he recently spoke with Rodgers, who he believes still has a passion for the game and intends to play in 2026. "I think it's one team: the Steelers," Heyward stated. "I don't think he wants to play for anybody else."
Further fueling the fire, Schefter reported that Rodgers and new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy are in regular communication, indicating that Rodgers is seriously considering another season with Pittsburgh. The Steelers, meanwhile, remain "cautiously optimistic."
Rodgers took his time last year, waiting until June to sign a one-year contract with the Steelers. So, his current lack of commitment in April isn’t entirely unexpected. However, Steelers general manager Omar Khan expressed at the Combine that he didn’t expect a repeat of last year’s timeline.
Now, the Steelers are hoping for a similar outcome. If not, they’ll be looking to sixth-round draft pick Will Howard or veteran backup Mason Rudolph to step up.