The Pittsburgh Steelers await the increasingly important decision from their veteran quarterback on whether he will retire or return to Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers has been quiet about his choice so far in the 2026 offseason, but the Steelers have a level of optimism that he will return. The Steelers hope to know his choice sooner rather than later, as they could look to address quarterback in the NFL Draft. Rodgers' decision has huge implications for how the Steelers will attack the offseason and how the Steelers will compete in 2026.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers lets go of the football as he makes a pass during the team's Week 9 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the 2025 NFL season.
The Steelers are looking to run it back with the 42-year-old, four-time MVP. He has been reportedly speaking to members of the Steelers, including new Head Coach Mike McCarthy and star receiver DK Metcalf. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Rodgers' interest in a reunion is becoming more likely.
"The odds are increasing. I am told that Rodgers has spoken several times with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers has also spoken with wide receiver DK Metcalf, who wants Rodgers back at age 42," Pelissero said. "The plan is for Rodgers to take a little more time, and everyone hopes comes to a decision before free agency in mid-March."
Rodgers worked with McCarthy during their times with the Green Bay Packers and helped the quarterback develop into a future Hall of Famer. Rodgers won four NFL MVPs, three of which were under McCarthy. A reunion could be on the horizon for the pair who won a Super Bowl together in 2011.
The two will look to have an opportunity this year if Rodgers decides on a comeback. McCarthy, known as a quarterback developer, will help Rodgers play to the best he can at age 42. Rodgers would be a mentor for young quarterback Will Howard and could help him develop, too.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Wide Receiver DK Metcalf celebrate during a game in the 2025 NFL season.
Rodgers' and Metcalf's relationship proved to be important during the 2025 season. The two had some solid chemistry and spoke highly about one another. Rodgers made many plays with the wideout as the two look to continue that connection through 2026. Metcalf has been vocal about his appreciation for Rodgers, and the two could look to run it back if Rodgers comes back.
Steelers Need To Face A Reality If Rodgers Does Retire
If Rodgers decides to hang up his cleats, the Steelers need to face the reality that a non-winning season is imminent. Waiting on Rodgers may lead to some future issues if he takes as long as he did to decide last year. The Steelers' only other in-house quarterback options are Howard and Mason Rudolph. The Steelers can't be confident just throwing in Howard after an offseason of uncertainty.
If Rodgers decides sooner rather than later, Howard will be able to prepare as if he has a shot at being the starter. The Steelers should be wise and not let Rodgers' decision dictate their offseason plans. The team needs to prepare for a future where they need to build around a young quarterback, whether that be Howard or a future draft pick.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Will Howard throws the football during rookie minicamp.
The Steelers went into last offseason with the assumption that Rodgers would be a Steeler. They passed on a quarterback until the sixth round, where they selected Howard. The Steelers passed on Jaxson Dart, who had a promising rookie season.
They decided to shore up their defensive line with their first-round pick, Derrick Harmon. The Steelers cannot do that this time around. They need to get weapons for a quarterback, whether that's Rodgers or not. If Rodgers doesn't decide before the draft or free agency, the Steelers need to make the right decision and build a team, assuming he isn't the quarterback. The Steelers need to provide the best opportunity to win for any quarterback that is under center this season.
Is Rodgers coming back? Is someone else going to be under center this season? Let us know in the comments below.
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