Getty

Steelers may have to turn to Jimmy Garoppolo if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return.

The clock is ticking for Aaron Rodgers to make his decision on whether he’ll return and play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026. With the NFL Draft in the rearview, the Steelers are hoping to get some sort of answer soon. If not, they may have to go in another direction.

“[Aaron Rodgers] still hasn’t decided, but the Steelers do believe that something will be figured out before May 18,” NFL insider James Palmer said. “That would be kind of the date that I would circle because that’s kind of when they start their OTAs.”

At that point, the Steelers would need to put their focus on the three quarterbacks on their roster in Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and third-round rookie Drew Allar. However, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon presents another option in Jimmy Garoppolo.

Steelers’ Patience With Aaron Rodgers Could Be Wearing Thin

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he believes that “patience could be starting to wear thin” for the Steelers waiting for Rodgers to decide.

It’s definitely odd that the 21-year veteran has still not made his decision this deep into the offseason.

“It’s important to note that while we’re used to oddities from the veteran QB, this is not remotely normal, and it does leave the team in an uncomfortable spot,” Gagnon wrote.

“The Steelers have essentially bought some insurance with the rarely used unrestricted free-agent tender on Rodgers, but that doesn’t replace him if he retires or signs elsewhere at a rate the team can’t or won’t match.”

If the Steelers don’t end up with Rodgers—through either of those scenarios—it would put new head coach Mike McCarthy in a difficult spot in his first year in Pittsburgh, with a team that can and should compete. That is, if they have a capable enough guy behind center.

“The Steelers could soon find themselves scrambling to contact Jimmy Garoppolo,” Gagnon continued.

Jimmy Garoppolo Would Be a Desperation Move For Steelers

Garoppolo is currently a free agent after spending the last two years with the Los Angeles Rams as the backup to Matthew Stafford. However, there have been rumors that he could consider retiring, according to ESPN.

Most of the other options Garoppolo had in free agency have been exhausted at this point. The Rams have since drafted quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders found their veteran option in Kirk Cousins. That said, the 34-year-old and the Steelers might be a decent match if Rodgers decides to move on.

Garoppolo has 12 years of NFL experience, bouncing between starter and backup roles with four different teams. He’s 43-21 as a starter. His last start came during the 2024 season for the Rams in the regular-season finale. He went 27 of 41 for 334 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

This obviously wouldn’t be a perfect option for the Steelers. Then again, what is the perfect option for them at quarterback in 2026?

Even if Rodgers decides to return for another season, having a 42-year-old behind center isn’t exactly ideal, no matter his career history.

As for the current quarterback options on the team, Rudolph is 9-9-1 as a starter in his career. Howard and Allar both have zero NFL experience.

Garoppolo definitely has the experience and some success during his career, but those days have long since passed. So if he ends up being the move, it would be out of necessity more than anything else.