Schefter: Players In Pittsburgh Are Absolutely Begging The Steelers' Front Office To Bring Back Aaron Rodgers In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers found a way to win the AFC North for the first time since the 2020 season, but came up short in a 2025 Wild Card contest against the Houston Texans. Aaron Rodgers couldn't quite get the job done, as he looked every bit of 42 years old in the playoff matchup. With Head Coach Mike Tomlin making the decision to step down from his post as the team's head coach, the overwhelming belief is that the veteran quarterback will also be on his way out, as he was playing on just a one-year contract.

Not so fast, however. While Rodgers and Tomlin have been reported to have a strong relationship, the signal-caller also seemed to have a very positive effect on the locker room. There were good moments and bad, but overall, he may still be he Steelers' best option for 2026, which is pretty crazy to believe. The draft class is weak and free-agent pool is not that impressive.

On Sunday morning, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that there is a lot going on behind the scenes in the Steel City. During exit interviews, a plethora of players stood up for the four-time MVP and want the organization's decision-makers to welcome him back.

"The Steelers players are more than open to Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh; they want the four-time league MVP back and conveyed as much to various members of the Steelers organization during their exit meetings last week, according to sources," Schefter wrote.

The insider made it very clear that nearly the entire roster that met with the staff had great things to say about the future Hall of Famer. Rodgers truly made a mark on the franchise in his one year with the team.

"Steelers players universally praised Rodgers during their exit interviews, and most if not all of them want the veteran quarterback to return in 2026," Schefter noted. "His support amongst players was universal, and those around the organization pointed out how beloved and respected Rodgers was there."

It will be interesting to see if Pittsburgh's front office decides to discuss what happens next with Rodgers. He has not officially closed the door on playing in 2026, but he can't wait until June to decide if the Steelers are his preferred destination. A semi-new roster has to be built and the coaching staff may drastically change, which is something that could affect both his decision to return and the franchise's decision to offer him another one-year contract.

Steelers Won't Make Any Decisions On Rodgers Until A Head Coach Is Hired

Pittsburgh is currently involved in one of the most important decision-making processes that it has had in decades. Schefter made it known that there won't be a discussion internally about Rodgers until a hire is made for the empty head-coaching vacancy, which makes complete sense for all parties involved in a potential reunion for 2026.

"Whoever the defending AFC North champion Steelers pick for their next head coach likely would factor into Rodgers' decision, according to sources," Schefter wrote.

Time will tell, but it sure seems like the drama of the offseason is already beginning. Despite being 42 years of age and Tomlin walking away, players in the Steelers' locker room want Rodgers back. It hasn't even been a week since the legendary head coach stepped down, and there are already several voices inside the building telling Art Rooney II and Omar Khan that Rodgers needs to return.

One also has to wonder who is leaking the information. Is Rodgers pressuring the team to involve him in the head-coaching hire, even though he would only be around for probably one more year? Or are players putting the heat on the organization's top leadership to to bring the legendary signal-caller back? Anything is possible, and it's already getting quite interesting.

Do you think the Steelers will bring back Rodgers for one more season? Let us know in the comments below!

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