The Aaron Rodgers waiting game has claimed its most prominent critic yet: Pittsburgh Steelers icon Ben Roethlisberger. Frustrated with the lingering uncertainty, the former quarterback questioned the delay and urged Rodgers to make up his mind. With crucial roster decisions on the line, a lot hinges on the veteran’s decision.

“How is Aaron not coming back when you have those kinds of weapons?” Ben said on the Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast. “Like, what are we doing? There is no way he is not coming back. No way. I do think it’s a shoe-in. I don’t see how he doesn’t come back. Hey Aaron, just let us know, man. You know you can do that and just say, ‘Yeah, I am coming back.’”

Speaking on his podcast, Ben Roethlisberger made his stance clear on Aaron Rodgers’ unnecessary delay, calling him out directly, asking him to just let the franchise know he’s coming back.

To drive his point home, he stressed how powerful Pittsburgh’s offense could look. He pointed to proven players such as DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Roman Wilson as a major boost for any quarterback. Additionally, the team possesses twelve picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and has comfortable cap space.

Last year, Roman Wilson showed everyone what he was capable of with two scores for just 12 receptions, averaging over 13 yards per catch. Add that to DK Metcalf’s consistent performances (never going below 850 yards a season), and the Steelers have reliable options for Rodgers. If that wasn’t enough, there’s draft capital as well.

The latest draft projections say that the Steelers could grab Jordyn Tyson in Round 1. The precise route runner would pair perfectly with DK Metcalf, giving Rodgers a top-tier target. Injuries are a concern, but if Tyson stays healthy, he could make Pittsburgh’s offense impossible to ignore.

Roethlisberger believes the team could further target new young talent to fortify the group, suggesting Rodgers should feel confident and excited about the situation. As for the Steelers, they are trying not to get stuck in limbo, preparing for any outcome.

Last year, Rodgers took over 80 days to agree to the one-year deal since the offseason began. However, general manager Omar Khan insisted things would be different this offseason.

Now, the franchise is preparing backup plans while still keeping the door for Aaron’s return open. They are exploring both free agency and the draft, knowing they can’t afford to wait too long without clarity. The major challenge is striking the right balance between onboarding a proven veteran and investing in younger talent.

Currently, they have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the roster, and they could really do with some guidance. In the free market, they could target players such as Kirk Cousins or Mac Jones. Meanwhile, Mike McCarthy also needs to face the harsh reality if Rodgers does return. He’ll be 43 during the 2026 season, making him the oldest signal caller in the league.

Despite his undeniable talent and experience, the team should make short-term plans while allowing him to mentor the existing young talent. In the end, the Steelers can’t build their entire future around uncertainty. It’s in their best interest to keep building their roster. Interestingly, Ben Roethlisberger’s message comes after another NFL legend vented his frustration with Rodgers’ attention-seeking behavior.

Rod Woodson urges Pittsburgh to set a deadline for Rodgers

For many, the Steelers’ playoff loss to the Houston Texans and Mike Tomlin’s resignation felt like a turning point. They believed it could prompt Aaron Rodgers to walk away from the franchise for good. After all, he explicitly said that he wanted to end his NFL career strong under Tomlin’s leadership. But then rumors of a potential reunion or Rodgers playing another season started popping up.

Since then, the Steelers have been holding out hope for the QB, who many believe has lost the impact that once made him a Super Bowl champion. Rodgers’ murky responses over the past few weeks have enraged many former Steelers. They believe the team must return to being a serious contender instead of waiting around. Among them, Hall of Famer Rod Woodson has been particularly vocal. He’s urging the organization to take control of the situation.

“Is he gonna play? Listen, I get kinda tired of it,” Woodson said on The Rich Eisen Show. “Listen, if he’s gonna play, say he’s gonna play, he’s gonna come back. And the team shouldn’t wait for Aaron Rodgers. They need to move forward.”

Woodson’s message is loud and clear: Set a firm deadline or move on. Part of the reason Pittsburgh is still considering Rodgers is the lack of strong quarterback options in the 2026 draft. Beyond Alabama’s Ty Simpson as a potential first-round pick and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in the second round, the remaining options appear quite bleak. But these can only be considered once Rodgers gives answers.

Even with Rodgers, the team may not have true Super Bowl potential. With age catching up and his passing game becoming limited, the situation is even more complicated. It explains why many, including Woodson, are ready to move on.