Critical Update On Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Reveals The Teams He May Want To Play For In 2026

Back in the 2025 offseason when free agency was getting set to begin, the Pittsburgh Steelers were considered a bit of a mystery when it came to the quarterback position. Both Mason Rudolph and Sklyar Thompson ended up signing deals at some point, but there was no true plan at the most important position in the sport. Then, Will Howard was selected in the NFL Draft, ultimately leading many to believe that the team was waiting for the four-time MVP, Aaron Rodgers. Finally, in June, just prior to mandatory minicamp, the veteran put pen to paper and reported to the Steel City.

The Steelers went on to have a regular-season record of 10-7 and claimed the AFC North. Hosting a home playoff game certainly was appreciated by the fan base leading up to the matchup; however, the 30-6 loss continued a terrible postseason win drought. Not too long after, Mike Tomlin stepped down and many believed that Rodgers was going to be one-and-done in the Steel City.

Pittsburgh took a couple of weeks to process the first head-coaching vacancy it had to deal with with for the first time in almost two decades. Rather than go the young and defensive-minded route, the brass hired Mike McCarthy, which was a head-scratching move despite his fantastic career in the NFL. McCarthy has always had good quarterback play, and that's something that was clearly important to the Steelers.

Now, as executives and coaches prepare for the beginning of the new league year and free agency, Pittsburgh is still awaiting word from Rodgers regarding his future plans. On Saturday, Ian Rapoport reported that the Super Bowl champion has been talking with his former coach, and the team should know for sure a lot sooner than it did back in 2025.

"Is Aaron Rodgers going to play? He's had positive discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his old friend Mike McCarthy," Rapoport said. "Surely an answer is coming before free agency."

Additionally, Rapoport wasn't just confident that a decision should be coming soon. When asked if any other organizations are in the mix — perhaps the Minnesota Vikings — the insider shut down that notion and said that it pretty much is Pittsburgh or nothing.

"That's what it feels like. Pittsburgh or nothing," Rapoport stated. "Good experience [in 2025]. Liked the locker room a lot, like, made some friends. It was a really good experience. Played certainly well enough, played through injuries. If he was going to come back for anyone, Mike McCarthy makes sense, so obviously, that would seem to be the spot."

It's truly hard to predict what Rodgers' plans may be. However, if only a few insiders throughout the league may understand where the situation could be headed, Rapoport is one that can be trusted. Nothing is set in stone, but it feels as if Rodgers is going to pass on retiring, and coming back to play for the Steelers is the likely scenario.

It makes a lot of sense for Rodgers to return to the Steel City. He would be comfortable with McCarthy, and his job would not be threatened by anyone, including a rookie if the franchise elects to draft a quarterback. Rodgers knows his former coach's system and has a good handle on the Steelers' locker room as well. If the only team he is considering is Pittsburgh, it's a relatively wise approach by the veteran.

Steelers Would Have To Go All In Around Rodgers

While fans don't want to hear that Pittsburgh has a roster that can win now, a front office won't bring back a 42-year-old quarterback to be a bridge signal-caller in a rebuild year. On top of that, Rodgers wouldn't be returning to lose games. If he does decide to pass on retirement and is the Steelers' starter in 2026, the offseason will be spent bringing in more weapons and putting together a group that can make a postseason run.

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