Per Steelers insider Bob Labriola, “Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings, who came to the team in the seventh round (224th overall). Based on things I had read about him, I saw him as a good value at that point in the draft, and he plays a position the team needed to address at some point during the weekend.”

Oklahoma is a big-time program, and Labriola follows the Steelers really close. Therefore, the fact is that if Spears-Jennings can deliver, he could become an absolute star for the black-and-gold.

Steelers needed to address the secondary

The free safety position is scheduled to be Jaquan Brisker’s spot, but Spears-Jennings is just below him in the pecking order. DeShon Elliott, Sebastian Castro, and Jack Henderson are on the strong safety depth chart.

It is a thin-aired position for the Steelers, so the best value they can have, the better for the team. Hence, Spears-Jennings could actually become a key piece of this defense. The Steelers have a history of good scouting, so there is an actual chance that a seventh-rounder becomes crucial and provides quality for the team.

Elite defense is a staple of this franchise

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense might be worrying about the Aaron Rodgers drama, but the fact is that this team can’t allow having a bad defense. It’s basically what the Steelers always bring to the table, elite defense.

Without Mike Tomlin, the Steelers will need a new coach to guide this defense. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has some huge shoes to fill. At least he still has some great talent like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen, and Alex Highsmith, to mention a few.

The team announced the move on its official channels. Jaheim Bell was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles last week. He was previously drafted in the seventh round by the New England Patriots.

The Florida State Seminoles product could become the newest weapon for Aaron Rodgers, or whoever gets lined up under center for the Steelers next season. Jaheim Bell has only two receptions in his career.

Jaheim Bell joins a deep TE room

Pat Freiermuth is the Steelers’ best tight end, but not the only top-tier one. Darnell Washington is also a highly productive tight end. However, the Steelers let Jonnu Smith go, so they needed a new presence.

For Bell to shine, he must beat JJ Galbreath, Lake McRee, and Chamon Metayer in the pecking order. The Steelers did use their tight ends heavily last season, so it’s a unit that could definitely be relevant again.

The Steelers are in need of an explosive offense

Last season, the Steelers offense ranked 25th in total yardage, 22nd in passing, and 15th in scoring. Hence, they need to be better in that department, and with Mike McCarthy as the head coach, things should improve. After all, that’s why he was signed.

“If Rodgers hasn’t given them a decision by May 18, [the Steelers’] patience will start to turn into frustration, and maybe something more,” Gerry Dulac reported on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. On May 18, the Steelers‘ organized team activities (OTAs) for the 2026 campaign will start.

Pittsburgh had hoped things would be different this time around. Last year, Rodgers didn’t sign with the Steelers until June 5, right on cue for the start of minicamp. If A-Rod doesn’t comply with the team’s deadline, there’s a very good chance the story repeats itself in the Burgh.

That is, however, if the Steelers don’t have a sudden change of heart and grow uninterested in Rodgers. In the City of Bridges, the four-time MVP may burn bridges if he isn’t careful or empathetic with the organization. Naive or not, Pittsburgh is still counting on Rodgers to show up and lead the Steelers in the 2026 NFL season.

Steelers have made moves with Rodgers in mind

If the Steelers and Rodgers don’t reunite for the 2026 NFL campaign, it’d be a shocker. It’d also be quite frustrating for the brass in Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ NFL Draft may have been built with Rodgers in mind, which only adds more pressure on the team to secure its starting QB.

Even the hiring of head coach Mike McCarthy may have been a means of keeping Rodgers on their good side. However, for as much trouble as the Black and Yellow have gone through to keep A-Rod happy, the 42-year-old signal-caller hasn’t been as straightforward with the franchise.

Fans are growing tired of Rodgers

Many fans want Pittsburgh to move on, and the fact Rodgers is still playing hard to get could be the final nail in the coffin for the Terrible Towel-bearers to give up on him. Moreover, Rodgers’ last memory in a Steelers uniform is far from an encouraging one.

The Houston Texans bullied Rodgers and the Steelers in a 30–6 rout in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. Rodgers completed 17 of 33 pass attempts for 146 yards and one interception in what was Mike Tomlin’s last game as head coach in the Burgh. Although McCarthy’s arrival can help Rodgers find his best football again, the prospect isn’t looking too promising.

Perhaps Pittsburgh is better off with Will Howard or Drew Allar under center. As it stands, at least the Steelers know those two actually want to play football and represent the six-time Super Bowl champions. When it comes to Rodgers, that isn’t as convincing, and Pittsburgh is only left guessing.

Speaking during “The Arena – Underdog” show on May 1, Bayless pointed to a concerning trend in Rodgers’ efficiency metrics over the last few seasons. He noted that while his QBR has seen marginal improvements, the numbers still place him in the bottom tier of the NFL, and the Steelers could’ve been building around him despite these glaring decline signals.

Bayless was particularly critical of the quarterback’s recent postseason performance, noting that Rodgers struggled immensely in a 30-6 home playoff loss. “He’s washed. And I’m going to say it again,” Bayless declared, emphasizing that a QBR of 15 and a crucial sack-fumble early in the fourth quarter essentially “broke the game open” for the opposition.

Will Howard: A “big boy” ready to lead the Steelers

The analyst shifted his praise toward rookie Will Howard, highlighting his championship pedigree and physical stature as reasons for optimism in Pittsburgh. Bayless mentioned he has “always liked” Howard, specifically citing his time at Ohio State where he led college football in QBR and proved he could manage elite offensive weapons effectively.

When comparing physical profiles, Bayless argued that Howard is just as imposing as other prospects, standing at 6’4″ and 235 pounds. “I keep hearing Drew Allar’s a big boy… Will Howard’s 6’4 235. So, he’s a big boy, too, right?” Bayless asked rhetorically, indicating he would choose Howard’s potential and size over the current veteran path.

During his college career, Howard threw for nearly 10,000 yards and over 80 touchdowns, showcasing a strong arm capability that Rodgers possessed during his own standout years at Cal. While Rodgers was a precision passer with a high completion percentage in college, Howard’s recent 2025 national championship run gives him a winning momentum that Bayless finds irresistible.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the correlation between the team’s picks and the quarterback’s needs is hard to ignore. Pelissero noted, “Everything the Steelers did in the draft may not have been designed for Aaron Rodgers, but certainly if you were saying ‘What might Aaron Rodgers want?’ A tackle, a guard who’s a barroom brawler, and a big slot receiver.”

The insider further elaborated that the team’s new identity seems to align perfectly with what the future Hall of Famer values in a supporting cast. “Those are three things that Aaron Rodgers likes. Everything seems to have been built in that direction,” Pelissero shared on X, before concluding that “Aaron’s got to make the final call.”

The 2026 Steelers draft class fits the Rodgers mold

If Rodgers returns for the 2026 season, he will benefit from a rebuilt offensive line featuring first-round tackle Max Iheanachor and “barroom brawler” guard Gennings Dunker. These additions are designed to provide the elite protection Rodgers requires, while allowing young prospects like quarterback Drew Allar to develop under the veteran’s legendary mentorship.

The Steelers also added explosive weapons like wide receiver Germie Bernard in the second round and the versatile Kaden Wetjen in the fourth. Bernard, who showcased elite playmaking ability in college, provides the “big slot” presence Pelissero mentioned, while Wetjen brings the speed necessary to stretch defenses and create space for the running game.

Rounding out the offensive haul are Riley Nowakowski at fullback and the multi-talented Eli Heidenreich, who can impact both the passing and rushing attacks. With these pieces in place, the Steelers have successfully built an environment where Rodgers can thrive, potentially turning this rookie class into immediate contributors in a championship pursuit.

According to James Palmer, the move speaks volumes about where things stand between the team and the veteran quarterback. “They used this UFA tender and what does it show us? It shows us they’re not a 100 per cent sure that Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers. If they were a 100 per cent, you wouldn’t take your time to do this which in essence is a formality, but you get what I’m saying. I think using this does show us they’re not a 100 per cent sure.”

That perspective aligns with how unusual the move is. The unrestricted free agent tender is rarely used across the NFL, and while it can be framed as a procedural step, its timing and context have fueled speculation around the Steelers.

Why did Steelers use UFA tender on Aaron Rodgers?

From a technical standpoint, the tender gives the Steelers protection. If Aaron Rodgers signs elsewhere, they would be eligible for a compensatory pick. But as Palmer suggests, the bigger takeaway may not be the mechanism itself, it’s what it implies.

If the Steelers had full confidence that Rodgers would return, there would be little need to take even a symbolic step to safeguard against his departure. The fact that they did so indicates that, at the very least, some doubt remains.

That uncertainty has defined the entire situation. Rodgers has continued to take his time deciding his future, maintaining communication with the team but avoiding a firm commitment. Meanwhile, the Steelers have built out their roster in ways that could support him, while also preparing for alternative outcomes. For example, a path with Drew Allar.

For now, the tender serves as both protection and signal. Officially, it’s a low-impact move. Unofficially, it may be the clearest indication yet that the Steelers are still waiting, and still unsure, about what Rodgers will ultimately decide.

“Nobody really knows what’s happening with Aaron Rodgers, but Drew Allar might be the most fascinating part of this entire Steelers situation,” ESPN analyst Chase Daniel said. “The flashes are special, but the inconsistencies have been frustrating. If he develops the right way, this could get very interesting.”

These inconsistencies refer to the quarterback’s ability to make high-level plays, as well as his tendency to make poor decisions in crucial moments. Ultimately, it will be his new coach’s job to help correct these mistakes.

Mike McCarthy’s track record of developing quarterbacks and young prospects is well known. With Allar, along with second-year player Will Howard, the Steelers clearly have plenty of talent to potentially replace A-Rod. Can this young group potentially carry the weight of a historic, championship-winning franchise?

Similarities between Rodgers and Allar

Drew Allar has often drawn comparisons to Aaron Rodgers due to his rare combination of prototypical size, a powerful arm, and the ability to deliver accurate passes from unconventional platforms. Much like a young Rodgers, Allar excels at maintaining a high touchdown-to-interception ratio, finishing his 2025 season at Penn State with 24 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions while throwing for 2,842 yards.

The Roethlisberger experience in Pittsburgh

Drew Allar is currently third on the depth chart. Ben Roethlisberger, the historic quarterback of this franchise, also went through the same situation back in 2004.

Big Ben was selected by the Steelers with the 11th overall pick and didn’t see the field until Week 2 after Tommy Maddox’s injury, earning his first start in Week 3 against Miami. From there, his legacy went on to include two Super Bowl titles (XL, XLIII).

What decision will McCarthy make in Pittsburgh?

It is difficult to know what will happen with the Steelers starting in Week 1. Many believe Rodgers will return for another season of redemption, while others see the young players as the foundation of a new era under McCarthy’s leadership.

Today, the quarterback room is made up not only of the aforementioned Allar and Howard, but also the experienced Mason Rudolph, who is also in the competition to earn a starting role.

“For Aaron, he’s continuing to mull his options. My understanding is that he has talked with the Steelers regularly. He has talked to them since the draft. Everything they did in the draft may not have been designed for Aaron Rodgers, but certainly if you were saying: ‘What might Aaron Rodgers want?’ A tackle, a guard and a big slot receiver. Those are three things that Aaron Rodgers likes.”

That insight adds an interesting layer to how Pittsburgh approached the draft. While the Steelers didn’t explicitly build their class around Rodgers, several of their selections align with the type of roster construction that could appeal to him.

Steelers draft class might hint Aaron Rodgers’ decision

Looking at the Steelers’ 2026 draft, the connections become clear. Pittsburgh used the first-round pick on offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, followed by wide receiver Germie Bernard in the second round.

In the third round, they added quarterback Drew Allar, cornerback Daylen Everette and guard Gennings Dunker, reinforcing both sides of the ball. They continued to build depth with wide receiver Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round, fullback Riley Nowakowski in the fifth, defensive end Gabriel Rubio in the sixth, and closed out the draft with safety Robert Spears-Jennings and versatile RB/WR Eli Heidenreich in the seventh round.

While the selection of Allar shows the Steelers are still planning for the future, the overall structure of the class suggests a balance between long-term development and short-term competitiveness.

For now, Rodgers continues to take his time. But with ongoing communication and a roster that increasingly aligns with his preferences, the Steelers appear to be keeping the door open, while quietly making their case through action.

During an interview with NFL Network, Rooney downplayed the significance of the decision while making it clear the Steelers were simply protecting themselves.

“We alerted Aaron and his representative that we were going to do it, and so not a real big deal. Just something that in the unlikely event that he goes somewhere else, we are eligible for a compensatory pick.”

Steelers protecting themselves amid uncertainty with Aaron Rodgers

The move is rarely used around the NFL, which is why it quickly drew attention and sparked speculation. Many analysts interpreted it as a subtle form of pressure, perhaps a way for the Steelers to push Rodgers toward making a decision about his future sooner rather than later.

Rooney emphasized that the decision was more about contingency planning than strategy aimed at the player. “The main thing that the tender gives us is potential for a comp pick if Aaron would choose to go to another team. We don’t expect that, but, by the same token, you never know. And it’s just something that we had an opportunity to protect if needed.”

Still, the context matters. Aaron Rodgers has developed a reputation for taking his time with major offseason decisions, often stretching the process well beyond key NFL milestones. For a second consecutive year, his timeline has extended past the draft, leaving the Steelers, and fans, waiting for clarity.

Steelers want an answer from Aaron Rodgers soon

That uncertainty has not gone unnoticed. Some around the league view the tender as a calculated move to gain leverage, even if the Steelers insist otherwise. The bigger question is how Rodgers himself will interpret it. Historically, the veteran quarterback has not responded well to perceived pressure, especially when it comes to decisions about his future.

For now, the Steelers maintain that the move is simply procedural. But in a situation already filled with tension and unanswered questions, even routine decisions can carry added weight.

Speaking during an interview with NFL Network, Rooney made it clear that communication between both sides remains active, and that a decision could be coming soon.

“We’ve been in contact with Aaron on a regular basis. He’s been keeping us up to date on his plans. Even though I thought it probably would have been concluded by now, I think we will come to a conclusion here in the next few weeks.”

Steelers still waiting for Aaron Rodgers

Despite the ongoing dialogue with Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers have not stood still. They have continued to build depth at the position, including drafting Drew Allar and setting up a competitive environment that also features Will Howard.

Those moves suggest the Steelers are preparing for multiple scenarios, whether Rodgers ultimately returns or not. At the same time, Rooney’s comments indicate that the door remains open. Regular communication implies mutual interest, even if no final decision has been reached.

The next few weeks now loom as a critical window. If Rodgers decides to continue playing, the Steelers remain a logical landing spot. But if not, they are increasingly ready to turn the page and invest in their younger options. For now, the situation remains unresolved, but not for much longer, if Rooney’s timeline holds.

Speaking to Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio, McCarthy said, “Definitely there was communication beforehand [with Aaron Rodgers] and it’s something that just puts us in position to be smart business wise.” This information is key, as it was reported that Rodgers could be frustrated with the Steelers over this contract move.

This could perfectly hint at the fact that the Steelers do know that Rodgers will be back. If there was uncertainty around his return to the NFL, this would all be pointless. Hence, this all signals a return from the four-time MVP.

Aaron Rodgers’ 2025 numbers

Rodgers guided the Steelers to the AFC North title with a 10-6 record. As for his individual numbers, Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also delivered some huge flashback moments to his prime throughout the season.

While it was clear he wasn’t going to be the 4,000-yard quarterback he once was, Rodgers is still accurate and smart. His cleverness allows him to read defenses and if given time in the pocket, he is still capable to decimate defenses with pinpoint accuracy.

The Steelers have no quality plan B for Rodgers

At least for 2026, the Steelers do need Rodgers to come back. Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, or recently-drafted Drew Allar are nowhere near Rodgers’ level. Rudolph has a low ceiling, while Howard and Allar are young, raw prospects that might not be NFL-ready just yet.

Hence, Rodgers coming back could actually make or break the Steelers season. Therefore, the right-of-refusal tender was key for the Steelers to get some certainty amid all the doubts surrounding the QB position.