With former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy finding his way to Pittsburgh (after a five-year layover in Dallas), there’s been speculation that former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who found his way to Pittsburgh a year earlier, could have a new motivation to return to the team in 2026. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (via colleague Ian Rapoport), that could be the case as Rodgers appears to be seriously considering sticking with the Steelers for his 22nd season of NFL play. 
Entering the season, many, including Rodgers, had some idea that 2025 would be a swan song for the league’s oldest active player, who is now older than eight active head coaches. As the regular season was coming to a close and Rodgers was on his way back to the playoffs for the first time in four years, the 42-year-old let it be known that he wasn’t married to the idea of retiring.
Immediately following the team’s postseason exit, there seemed to be mutual interest in Rodgers coming back on a new deal in 2026, but things changed when longtime head coach Mike Tomlin decided to step away. While Pittsburgh continued to support the idea of Rodgers returning for another year, the odds of Rodgers returning without Tomlin didn’t look great. The Steelers made a move, though, and it may have been the only move that could’ve aided a Rodgers return under a new head coach.
Though, they likely didn’t choose him with this end in mind, the hiring of McCarthy, Rodgers’ former head coach in Green Bay, to replace Tomlin as head coach may end up being a crucial key in retaining Rodgers. Steelers owner Art Rooney told media the door was still open to Rodgers, McCarthy expressed his desire for a reunion with his former quarterback, and top receiver D.K. Metcalf has even been in touch with Rodgers, trying to move the needle on coming back for another run. Pelissero reports that Rodgers has had several conversations with McCarthy since his arrival, and odds are increasing that a reunion will take place.
This “will he, won’t he” won’t last nearly as long as last year, when Rodgers didn’t choose a team until June. While they won’t pressure the veteran quarterback to make a decision, everyone is hoping that he will come to a decision before the start of free agency in mid-March. In the next month or so, we should have a better idea of whether or not we’ll see Rodgers return for his age-43 season in a reunion with McCarthy.
Huge news for the Steelers fans hoping for a 9-8 season
Rodgers will never retire until the league retires him. He needs the attention
He best decide fast this time so they can build around him correctly. I would rather see them go to a young QB but if they make thumps stupid decision, back it up with the best personnel decisions. If he makes them wait more than when FAs become available, they should move on.
Say it ain’t so arty. You are giving nutterbutter nutting a run as the worst owner of a pittsburgh pro sports organization.
Don’t bring this snowflake back. Hes a buffoon. Hes done. Fried, cooked.
Artie, do what’s right. Retire and let your kid, jim, run the team.
After the way last year ended, the frustration makes sense. However, realistically, what’s the alternative? I’d say that Rodgers is better suited for Minnesota, but I’ve never seen a fanbase hate their QB so much without any alternative plan for attainable success. I mean, who do you draft with a lower end first round pick? Is that person ready to start Day One? Who do you sign? Is that person going to give you more TDs with fewer INTs than Rodgers did last year (24/7) at a cheaper rate ($10 million guaranteed)?
Cousins maybe could. Jones is going to want several years. I actually don’t think that Rodgers is a great fit for a team that lacks so much offensive talent, but I do wonder what the alternative is. The Steelers benefit more from him than he benefits from the Steelers, but they’re not offering much to any QB who comes in at the moment. Other than being terrible and hoping that a high pick solves all of the Steelers’ problems, there’s not a fun solution next year. I’d worry less about Rodgers starting than I would about Khan nailing this draft. The Steelers have fallen too far behind to afford to miss on this one, no matter who ends up at QB.
When the NFL can’t provide alternatives for immobile 42 year old QBs it’s probably time to kick start a flag football league 🙂
Steelers should look long and hard at Malik Willis.
Here’s an idea let Will Howard play. End of story. Let old dogs retire.