As unlikely as it may be, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still holding out some hope of an Aaron Rodgers return.
The Steelers remain “open” to a reunion with Rodgers in 2026, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The team’s experience with the quarterback appears to have been overwhelmingly positive, with Rodgers drawing “universal praise” from his fellow players during exit interviews.
Almost to a man, Steelers players universally praised Aaron Rodgers during their exit interviews last week, and most if not all of them want the veteran quarterback to return in 2026. https://t.co/NCNPzN0yLw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2026
The Steelers do recognize that this is unlikely to happen. Coach Mike Tomlin was one of the biggest reasons Rodgers wanted to play for Pittsburgh. Now that he has stepped aside, it is tough to envision Rodgers returning for another season under a new coach, whoever that may wind up being.
Rodgers, 42, threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns for the Steelers last season. Like most of the team’s offense, he was very poor in the team’s playoff loss to Houston and turned the ball over twice.
It is not completely out of the question that Rodgers could opt to play another season. However, at this point, it feels more likely that he finally decides to call it a career.
