Pittsburgh Steelers
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Steelers predicted to bring back Aaron Rodgers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to add a quarterback, and all signs point to Aaron Rodgers returning.
Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers and said before the year that it could be his final season. However, he played well, and now Rodgers has been linked to playing another year, and Steelers insider Mike DeFaboo of The Athletic expects the veteran quarterback to return.
“While general manager Omar Khan said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he doesn’t anticipate the indecision will drag out like it did last year,” DeFaboo wrote. “And the prevailing sentiment from inside the organization is that the team believes an answer will come sometime this month, the Steelers ended Wednesday as one of the NFL’s few teams without a clearcut QB1 in place or an obvious path to land one.
“That said, while the Steelers don’t have a signature on a dotted line, the moves they made suggest they’re trying to win in this 42-year-old QB’s window.”
The Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts to add another receiver to the fold. Pittman joins DK Metcalf as the Steelers’ top two receivers, and that move, DeFaboo believes, is due to the fact that Pittsburgh knows Rodgers is returning.
Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions last season with the Steelers as he led them to the AFC North title.
Pittman Move Hints at Rodgers Reunion With Steelers
Pittsburgh’s big move of the offseason was trading for Pittman, who DeFaboo believes is a perfect receiver for Rodgers.
Pittman is known for his great route running, which is something Rodgers likes.
By adding Pittman, who will turn 29 in October, the Steelers presumably are adding what Rodgers has shown — through his words and actions — he prefers: a veteran who understands the nuances of route running, who can interpret disguised coverages on the fly and who knows how to approach a week of preparation,” DeFaboo added.
“Pittman, who agreed to terms on a new three-year, $59 million deal shortly after the trade, is a hard-working receiver known for playing through injuries and blocking hard for teammates. He was once was effective enough to be a WR1 but is now willing to serve as a complement to DK Metcalf as a WR2. Stylistically, Pittman also fits the West Coast offense that Mike McCarthy runs and Rodgers has thrived in.”
Pittman recorded 80 receptions for 784 yards and 7 touchdowns last season with the Indianapolis Colts.
Rodgers Has Spoken With Mike McCarthy
Although Rodgers has yet to re-sign with the Steelers, the veteran quarterback said he’s spoken with Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy was Rodgers’ coach with the Green Bay Packers when they won the Super Bowl. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported that Rodgers and McCarthy have spoken several times about a return.
“My understanding is, the odds are increasing,” Pelissero said of Rodgers’ chances of playing in 2026.
Rodgers showed he still can play at a high level in 2025, and it appears he will be coming back for another season.