Aaron Rodgers has the Pittsburgh Steelers playing another waiting game. Last offseason, the Steelers had to wait until near the start of mandatory minicamp, although they felt confident he’d land with them throughout the process. Now they’re in a similar situation, and NFL insider Albert Breer thinks it’s more likely Rodgers re-signs with Pittsburgh than not.
“My interpretation of it, at least, is that Aaron kind of wanted to fall back in love with football again, right? And really enjoy being a football player… And I think he finally accomplished that last year in Pittsburgh. Even though they didn’t achieve the ultimate goal, I think he really enjoyed the year last year,” Breer said Wednesday on The Rich Eisen Show. “I think, for that reason, there’s a good chance he comes back. The presence of Mike McCarthy there, combined with that, sets up for a scenario where, maybe he could come back and play.”
The Steelers didn’t snap their playoff losing streak in 2025, and Rodgers ended the year with an ugly loss to Houston. But all things considered, it was a successful season for the veteran. He played at the highest level we’ve seen in years after two rough seasons with the New York Jets. Off the field, Rodgers seemed much more at peace. He spoke highly of his teammates as well as the coaching staff throughout the season.
His desire to play for Mike Tomlin was a big reason he came to Pittsburgh in the first place. Although he’s holds Mike McCarthy in high regard, it is a different coach than the one he originally game to play for. Aaron Rodgers didn’t sound ready to make a decision speaking a few weeks ago, either. While a reunion feels like the most-likely scenario to Breer, it’s not a guarantee.
If Rodgers retires, Breer named another veteran quarterback the Steelers could pursue.
“They’ve got a pretty good option out there, if it’s not Rodgers. And that’s Kirk Cousins,” Breer said. “Cousins gives them, at least, an option if they don’t wind up with Aaron Rodgers.”
Cousins’ name came up throughout last offseason, but nothing ever tied him to the Steelers. He remained in Atlanta and did play some decent football late in the year. If Rodgers doesn’t return, Pittsburgh represents one of the few opportunities he’d have left to start.
Maybe he’s someone the Steelers consider. McCarthy is known for getting the most out of his quarterbacks, and Cousins still has some talent to work with. He understands the game, has plenty of experience, and won five of the eight games he started in 2025. It’s not a long-term answer by any means. But even if the Steelers plan to develop Will Howard or another young quarterback, Cousins might make some sense in a mentorship sort of role.
Neither Aaron Rodgers nor Kirk Cousins are going to inspire Steelers fans much. Rightfully so, with the franchise badly in need of a long-term answer at the game’s most important position. But for now, Breer thinks it’s most likely Rodgers returns, with Cousins a candidate to keep in mind if he doesn’t.
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