Even before the Pittsburgh Steelers officially hired Mike McCarthy as their next head coach, many wondered if him being there would help lure Aaron Rodgers back for another year. After all, the two of them won Super Bowl XLV together with the Green Bay Packers and reportedly have newfound respect for each other following their messy split in 2018.
In fact, when Rodgers was about to hit the free agent market during the 2025 off-season, he stated that “wherever Mike McCarthy ends up” would be a potential next team for himself.
But while the Steelers have officially hired McCarthy, Rodgers has yet to decide on his NFL future.
Would the Pittsburgh Steeelers really benefit from a Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers reunion?
Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers
Sep 16, 2018; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and head coach Mike McCarthy during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
It is not just the Steelers who are waiting for an answer from Rodgers. The entire NFL world is anxious to find out what he decides to do.
If McCarthy knows anything, he is not spilling the details. During a memorial service for former Packers President and CEO Bob Harlan, who passed away earlier this month, McCarthy told those gathered:
“Yes, it would be a great story.I don’t know — and I would love to tell everybody with breaking news. But, you know, it’s really cool to see Aaron at 42. To see a young man at 22 and all of what he’s been able to accomplish and where he’s at in his personal life, and trying to make this decision. He’s in a really good place.”
Indeed, the idea of Rodgers and McCarthy reuniting for a final run in the future Hall of Fame quarterback’s career is what has fans hankering for a decision.
What is more, Rodgers was far from bad last season. He had a 65.7% completion percentage, 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 94.8 passer rating.
But is a reunion really in Pittsburgh’s best interest?
On the one hand, Rodgers is certainly better than veteran free agent quarterback left on the NFL free agent market. Additionally, he would probably be better than any quarterback the Steelers would take in the NFL Draft. He certainly would be the preferred starter over last year’s backup, Will Howard.
But on the other hand, he is 42 years old. Tom Brady and Brett Favre showed the NFL world just how quickly and drastically Father Time can catch up with players who previously had been playing at a high level. The risk of bringing Rodgers back is just that: can he avoid falling apart physically?
At the end of the day, the Steelers want Rodgers back for at least one more season. If he decides he wants to play, he will only play for them. The ball is truly in his court.
Whether or not it happens, and how it turns out if it does, remains to be seen.
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