The Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan spoke in late February at the NFL Scouting Combine about the future of the team. It was no surprise that Khan had to address the quarterback position fairly early in his availability. When Khan was speaking, he was naturally asked about Aaron Rodgers. With Mike Tomlin stepping away at first, many assumed this meant Rodgers was done for good in Pittsburgh, but then the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy. That is notable, of course, because Rodgers and McCarthy spent nearly a decade together in Green Bay and won a Super Bowl against the Steelers.

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Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers game plan on sideline during an NFL game in 2017.
Now there is growing speculation that the two could attempt to lead Pittsburgh on a Super Bowl run before Rodgers retires. Rodgers hinted that 2025 would be his final season in the league, but during that year he began flirting with the idea of returning for another season. The only issue is that Rodgers will be 43 years old during the 2026 season if he chooses to come back.
Rodgers has not clearly indicated his final decision either way, but the growing belief is that he could play for the black and gold in the 2026 season under McCarthy. There has been a growing debate about what Rodgers has or has not done for the Steelers. In the eyes of many, he has been an exceptional leader and a strong addition regardless of what he decides about 2026. Others believe that Rodgers has held them hostage now two years in a row. However, several pundits think he is chasing attention, and Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter recently sounded off on Rodgers while speaking on Fully Loaded.
"Aaron Rodgers is like a lot of these quarterbacks when they get to this," Carter said while speaking on the show. "They’re so selfish. They never want to be called that, but they’re so selfish, and they’re so self-centered. Aaron Rodgers wants to play. He’s got one place that he can play. That’s in Pittsburgh, the place he played in last year, that happens to have his ex-coach."
Obviously, Rodgers played for the Steelers during the 2025 season, and the result was honestly better than many assumed. Rodgers did a solid job guiding the offense, though it did not take much considering what Steelers fans have had to witness for several seasons on that side of the ball. Rodgers was a steady hand, and his leadership showed throughout the year. He really rallied the team and helped players perform to the best of their abilities. Like all greats and future Hall of Famers do, Rodgers added a spark and an element to the offense. Of course, many would argue it is simply too late in his career.

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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks into the distance with intense focus as he stands in street clothes while the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
In the 24-point home playoff loss to the Houston Texans, the pass rush had Rodgers under pressure all night long. It was an unfortunate ending to a nice season, but it just seems like the safer bet is Father Time when it comes to Rodgers moving forward. Still, if McCarthy does have the magic in his sleeve to bring Rodgers back for 2026 and rekindle what they once had in Green Bay, maybe they can turn back the clock for one more season.
Steelers' Waiting Game With Rodgers Continues To Dominate Headlines
It is interesting to hear Carter go so hard on Rodgers. This is not the first time an analyst or former player has done that, and it certainly will not be the last.

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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
For now, the Steelers are stuck in a waiting game as Rodgers weighs what could be the final decision of his career. Until clarity arrives, the uncertainty alone continues to dominate headlines in Pittsburgh and beyond. As for Carter, he simply thinks Rodgers is being selfish by drawing this out. Carter believes he should have made his decision by now.
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