ESPN's Dan Orlovsky thinks the Miami Dolphins were the "biggest loser" at the trade deadline.
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ESPN's Dan Orlovsky thinks the Miami Dolphins were the "biggest loser" at the trade deadline.
Perhaps the biggest remaining name in free agency is none other than future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is still undecided on his NFL future. After spending the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion has the chance to return to Pittsburgh for his 22nd career season. But will he?
While he may not have an answer quite yet, another former quarterback has a prediction. 12-year NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes that Rodgers will come back and play for the Steelers in 2026.
Dan Orlovsky Sees Aaron Rodgers Returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Year 22
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during an NFL game.
GettyAaron Rodgers helped guide the Steelers to an AFC North title in 2026.
It would make sense that Orlovsky, who was also drafted back in 2005, believes that Rodgers could run it back one more time in the Steel City. One quarterback understands the mind of another quarterback. Here is what he said via Get Up on Tuesday morning about the chances of Rodgers returning to play for the Steelers in 2026:
“You can write that in pen. (Aaron) Rodgers is going to go back and be the starting quarterback for the Steelers.”
Get Up
Should Aaron Rodgers go back to Pittsburgh or hang it up? @danorlovsky7 has his say ⬇️
It also makes sense that the Steelers would want him back after the 2025 season that he had. While battling a fractured wrist, Rodgers guided the Steelers to 10 wins and an AFC North title at 42 years of age. While he wasn’t necessarily prolific, he kept his team in almost every game. He threw for 3,322 yards, recorded 25 total touchdowns, and tossed just seven interceptions. Furthermore, he finished top-10 among qualified starters in both completions (327) and interception percentage (1.4%).
Why a Return to Pittsburgh Makes Sense for Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyAaron Rodgers is the only quarterback in NFL history with at least 500 passing touchdowns and a passer rating of over 100.
Not only did Rodgers find success with former head coach Mike Tomlin, who currently holds the NFL record for most consecutive winning seasons in league history, but he found plenty of success in the beginning of his career while playing for new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay for 13 seasons (2006-2018).
While Rodgers was the Packers‘ starter for 11 seasons under McCarthy (2008-2018), the team made eight playoff appearances and won Super Bowl XLV over the Steelers, ironically. McCarthy also helped Rodgers win the first two MVPs of his illustrious career (2011, 2014). Now, they both could be back together for one last run.
If Rodgers decides to return, he will be re-joining an offense that includes the likes of Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf, as well as two-time 1,000-yard receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Starting running back Jaylen Warren recorded close to 1,300 scrimmage yards a season ago and will figure to be a significant contributor, along with back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle.
This is an offense that has the chance to take off at any point, especially with a versatile tight end room. That is if Rodgers is a part of it. But if he doesn’t return, it could be time for young quarterback Will Howard to take the reins.