The Pittsburgh Steelers once again find themselves waiting on Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Last year, that wait extended until just before the start of mandatory minicamp. To the dismay of many, the Steelers had to go through both free agency and the draft without an answer from the veteran quarterback.
This year, they’ve gone through the heart of free agency, and the draft is only a month away. Yet, there’s no answer from Aaron Rodgers. During his lone media appearance on The Pat McAfee Show a couple of weeks ago, Rodgers made it clear he wasn’t close to a decision.
That hasn’t stopped people from clamoring for Rodgers to suit up for the Black and Gold again in 2026. Including one of McAfee’s co-hosts, A.J. Hawk, who shared his pleas for Rodgers to return to Pittsburgh, and the four-time NFL MVP’s response.
“No joke, I’ve been sending him texts, telling him ‘Hey, Aaron you gotta go back, you need to go play for Pittsburgh, you need to play for big Mike [McCarthy].’ He’ll either say ‘shut up’ or nothing, so, we’re good,” Hawk said Monday on The Pat McAfee Show.
There are some parallels between the wait for Rodgers last offseason, and this time. In 2025, the chance to play for Mike Tomlin was a huge reason for Rodgers ultimately signing with Pittsburgh. While Tomlin’s obviously not in the building anymore, Rodgers has the chance to play for another coach he has a lot of respect for this year in Mike McCarthy.
Obviously, Rodgers likes to take his time making these decisions, and A.J. Hawk’s attempts to persuade him won’t make him budge much, if at all. But if he does return, he’ll have a better supporting cast. The Steelers traded for a WR2 in Michael Pittman Jr., and with a loaded receiving class in the draft, there’s a good chance they have a solid trio at the position in 2026. Much better than the receiving corps Rodgers had to work with last season in DK Metcalf and little help outside of him.
That said, the Steelers, of course, want a decision sooner than later. And they’re not alone, with many in the media growing frustrated on the Steelers’ behalf. Judging by the Steelers’ lack of interest in the other available quarterbacks this offseason, though, Rodgers is their first priority. And if Rodgers is going to play for another season, there isn’t another destination that looks nearly as likely as Pittsburgh.
It feels like Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh. Yet, with his age and decision-making process, it’s very much up in the air. But with a coaching staff he appreciates, and some new weapons on the offense, Hawk isn’t the only one hoping for a reunion in 2026.
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