Steelers Await Aaron Rodgers’ Decision While Welcoming Drew Aller

The Steelers are still anticipating an update from Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback they selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, they insist that the two players aren’t linked in any particular way.

“I wouldn’t say there’s a direct impact from drafting Drew Aller on Aaron,” Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth mentioned to reporters on Friday.

“We’re definitely excited for Drew and looking forward to seeing how he fits into the team.”

Drew Aller was picked 76th overall, much to the delight of the Pittsburgh fans in attendance. Having played his college football in nearby State College, Pennsylvania, he won’t have to travel too far.

“Over the past few weeks, I really built up my expectations and was super excited about the chance to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Aller shared with the press.

“It’s truly a dream to be part of such a respected organization and to have the chance to compete in the NFL.”

On a more practical note, there remains some uncertainty about Aller’s position on the Steelers’ depth chart.

Before the draft, with Rodgers’ future unclear, Will Howard was expected to be the top quarterback during minicamp.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Steelers had stated that they didn’t expect to hear from Rodgers prior to the draft. The 42-year-old, a potential Hall of Famer, played for the Steelers last season on a one-year, $13.25 million deal and is currently a free agent.

In late March, Steelers owner Art Rooney II told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he anticipated Rodgers would make a decision before the draft, though that didn’t materialize.

Ideally, Pelissero indicated that the Steelers would like to hear from Rodgers before OTAs start in mid-May.

Nevertheless, Aller appears to be the leading candidate to take over if Rodgers decides to retire.

“He’s got some impressive size,” Arth commented. “Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, he also has large hands. What’s really exciting for a quarterback is his throwing ability. I believe he throws the ball as well as any player in this draft class.”

“His arm is effortless, and he can make every throw you need. Plus, he’s a more athletic player than I initially thought. With his football intelligence and arm talent, the potential is definitely there. I feel like he hasn’t fully tapped into his abilities yet.”