Quarterback Aaron Rodgers still seems to have a lot of control in the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting on quarterback Aaron Rodgers to decide whether or not he wants to continue playing football, but that doesn't mean he's not influencing how the team is operating this offseason.
In fact, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero believes Rodgers had a big impact on the Steelers selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"He has talked to them since the draft," Pelissero said on The Rich Eisen Show . "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 bar room brawler, and a big slot receiver. Those are three things that Aaron Rodgers likes. So everything seems to have been built in that direction."
The Steelers certainly made several picks that would benefit Rodgers in 2026. First-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and third-round guard Gennings Dunker could be plug-and-play starters along the team's offensive line.
Pittsburgh's second-round trade-up for Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard also only further strengthened Rodgers' potential arsenal of weapons next season.
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) dives for a score at the pylon with Wisconsin defensive back Preston Zachman (14), Wisconsin defensive back D'Yoni Hill (5) and Wisconsin linebacker Tackett Curtis (4) unable to make the stop at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025. Gary Cosby Jr. /Imagn ImagesCredit: Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
That's why Pelissero is still betting on Rodgers returning for his 22nd season in the NFL.
"Aaron's gotta make the final call," Pelissero continued. "If I'm leaning at this point, I'm still leaning toward Aaron Rodgers is on board and he's on the field, not just in minicamp, but in OTAs at some point."
Rodgers will have to make a decision soon. The Steelers offered him a UFA tender, which is a contract that will allow them to retain his rights throughout the free agent process.
It's a one-year contract at a 10% raise from his previous salary, which would be just over $15 million.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Insider Claims Aaron Rodgers Had Major Influence on Steelers Draft
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