Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
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Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The jury is still officially out on what type of decision future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will make as it pertains to his future. Will he return for his 22nd career NFL season and play for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Or, will he call it quits on his legendary NFL adventure? Fortunately for Steelers fans, a decision may soon be on the horizon.
While speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN senior insider Adam Schefter chatted about the likelihood of Rodgers returning. In fact, he believes that the former Super Bowl MVP will soon be back in Pittsburgh for another season.
An Aaron Rodgers Return to the Pittsburgh Steelers Feels Likely
Here is what Schefter had to say specifically about his thoughts on the chances of Rodgers playing in the NFL in 2026:
“It does sound like the Rodgers-in-Pittsburgh thing is happening. Him and McCarthy are talking every day. Why are they talking every day if he’s not going back? It just is not official.”
Pat McAfee
“It does sound like Aaron Rodgers back in Pittsburgh is happening..
That would be my guess right now”
@AdamSchefter #PMSLive
If this ends up being the case, Rodgers will be one of three quarterbacks to have played at least 22 NFL seasons (George Blanda, Tom Brady). This would also mean that he would be playing for his old head coach with the Green Bay Packers, Mike McCarthy, who was hired to replace former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Together in Green Bay, while Rodgers was the starter for 11 seasons before McCarthy was let go (2008-2018), they guided the Packers to eight playoff appearances, five division titles, three NFC Championship games, and a Super Bowl title. Of course, that Super Bowl victory came against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The offense that Rodgers and McCarthy ran together was one of the most prolific in all of football.
Aaron Rodgers Can Take the Steelers Far in 2026
Aaron Rodgers Will Howard Kirk Cousins
GettyAaron Rodgers will turn 43 years of age in December.
If he returns to play for the Steelers, Rodgers has the chance to guide this team further than he did a season ago. While battling age and a fractured wrist, he guided the Steelers to a 10-6 record in games that he started, which also resulted in the franchise’s first division title in five years. Furthermore, Rodgers recorded 25 total touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a passer rating of 94.8, which was his best mark in a half-decade.
The 10-time Pro-Bowler could have an even better cast of skill players around him should he return in 2026. Ahead of this year’s NFL Draft, the Steelers have made some significant moves in free agency. They traded for two-time 1,000-yard receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to pair with two-time Pro-Bowler DK Metcalf and signed back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle. With seven picks inside the top four rounds of the NFL Draft, Pittsburgh has the chance to get better.
But in the end, Rodgers is the true x-factor. If he returns as Schefter thinks, Pittsburgh has a great chance to be more than just a playoff team. All eyes will be on Rodgers in the coming days to see if any official word on his future hits the wire.