Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
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(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Seeing as the NFL’s March 9th legal tampering is just days away, all eyes are focused on the situation between future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following a season that saw Rodgers lead the team to the playoffs while dealing with a broken wrist, the door is now open for the four-time MVP to return to the Steel City for his 22nd career season.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport recently joined the Dan Patrick Show to offer his insight into the situation between Rodgers and Pittsburgh and how it could conclude.
Its the Pittsburgh Steelers or Retirement for Aaron Rodgers
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers
GettyThe Pittsburgh Steelers won their first division title in five seasons with the help of Aaron Rodgers.
Here is what Rapoport had to say about Rodgers and the Steelers as the free agency window nears:
“My guess is he probably knows what the offer would be…My sense is it’s the Steelers or no one.”
Rapoport also noted that the Minnesota Vikings, who were interested in Rodgers last offseason, likely won’t be interested in the same set of circumstances this offseason.
But with the return of his former head coach with the Green Bay Packers, Mike McCarthy, could that propel Rodgers to come back to Pittsburgh for a second season? While there has been plenty of communication between the two parties, no deal is imminent as the legal tampering period is fast approaching.
Aaron Rodgers Can Take the Steelers Farther in 2026
Aaron Rodgers DK Metcalf
GettyAaron Rodgers won 10+ games in the regular season for the 11th time in his career this past season.
Thanks to the veteran play of Rodgers, former head coach Mike Tomlin was able to secure his 19th consecutive winning season before stepping down this offseason. No. 8 brought stability and consistency to the quarterback position for the first time since Ben Roethlisberger left the organization in 2021. He recorded 25 total touchdowns and seven interceptions while finishing 2025 ranked in the top 10 in both completions and interception percentage.
Now, Rodgers has the opportunity to play for his old head coach in McCarthy, who helped him find historic success with the Packers from 2008 to 2018 before he was ultimately fired. Together, the two helped Green Bay make eight playoff appearances, win five NFC North titles, and come out on top in Super Bowl XLV against the Steelers, ironically.
Despite entering his age-43 season, that is, if he decides to play, Rodgers has all the experience to replicate his success from a season ago on offense. Furthermore, Pittsburgh has plenty of ammunition to upgrade its offensive personnel. It possesses over $46 million in cap space and has seven draft picks within the first four rounds of the upcoming draft.
While a Super Bowl title has eluded the Steelers for the last 17 seasons and counting, the franchise has been one of the league’s most consistent for a long time. It is fair to expect this Rodgers and McCarthy-led team to be contenders in the AFC this upcoming season. Again, that is if Rodgers ends up deciding that he wants to come back and play.