Aaron Rodgers Mike McCarthy
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Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a lot of positive things to say about Pittsburgh Steelers new head coach Mike McCarthy.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have answered a lot of questions this offseason. They replaced former head coach Mike Tomlin with another Super Bowl-winning head coach in Mike McCarthy. Then, they made some major moves in free agency by trading for two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and signing former Super Bowl champion cornerback Jamel Dean, amongst other moves.
Still, there is one major question that is hovering over the organization. Will future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers be back for his 22nd NFL season and second with the Steelers? While at the league meetings in Phoenix on Monday, McCarthy provided a positive update regarding a potential Rodgers return via The Pat McAfee Show.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Have Stayed in Constant Communication With Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers
GettyAaron Rodgers will turn 43 years of age in December.
McCarthy did not give a clear-cut answer on whether or not Rodgers would officially be back in 2026. However, things may be trending in that direction. Here is what he had to say about where things stand between the four-time MVP and the organization:
“I’ve talked to Aaron (Rodgers) regularly and will continue to do so. We’re just working through it. When it’s time to fully address it, we will. You know, it’s a process that he’s going through, and I’m comfortable with it. We’ve had very, very positive conversations on a weekly basis.”
Pat McAfee
“I’ve talked to Aaron Rodgers regularly and we will continue to do so..
It’s a process that he’s going thru and we’ve had very positive conversations on a weekly basis”
Coach McCarthy #PMSLive
McCarthy would further cite the West Coast Offense as a possible reason for why Rodgers may return. That is the offense that he ran for 11 seasons (2008-2011) under McCarthy during their time together with the Green Bay Packers, and it figures to be a fixture in the Steel City during McCarthy’s reign.
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GettyThe Steelers went 10-6 in games started by Aaron Rodgers in 2025.
The simple fact of the matter is that the Steelers can’t contend for a Super Bowl without Rodgers. While they made some splash moves, particularly on offense with Pittman Jr. and back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle, this offense needs an experienced quarterback who has played at the highest level. It doesn’t get any better than Rodgers.
At age 42 and dealing with a fractured wrist late in the season, Rodgers guided the team to its first AFC North title in five years. He was the first starting quarterback for the Steelers to win at least 10 games in a season since Ben Roethlisberger did it in 2020. Rodgers accomplished that with a makeshift wide receiver core and subpar defense.
If he returns, he’ll be fully healthy, he’ll have a better wide receiver core at his disposal, and he’ll have the previous experience and history with McCarthy to fall back on. Of course, the duo was able to help guide the Packers to a win in Super Bowl XLV over the Steelers, ironically. Keep in mind, too, that the Steelers still have 12 picks in the upcoming draft, which is being hosted in the city of Pittsburgh. This team may have the makings of a potential sleeper in the AFC, especially with Rodgers back.