Aaron Rodgers
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The Steelers may not be willing to wait for Aaron Rodgers to decide if he's going to play in 2026.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be on the cusp of bringing back future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers for his 22nd NFL season. If that ultimately does come to fruition, it could be the legend’s last run in the NFL. Between his historic 18-year run with the Green Bay Packers and the last few seasons with both the New York Jets and Steelers, Rodgers has accomplished everything there is to accomplish as an NFL quarterback.
While on an episode of Overreaction Monday, host Rich Eisen chatted about whether or not there is any pressure on Rodgers if he decides to play this season. He cited both sides of the coin as he acknowledged whether or not Rodgers can still be good while also stating the fact that Rodgers will be a first-ballot Hall-of-Fame quarterback.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Can Win With Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
GettyAaron Rodgers has won four MVPs in his career (2nd-most in NFL history).
Here is what Eisen had to say regarding Rodgers and whether or not there may be any pressure on his shoulders should he return in 2026:
“If Rodgers comes back, that’s your guy (who feels the most pressure). Although he doesn’t feel pressure, he’s going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Pressure is you may not play anymore.”
There may be some type of pressure for any NFL quarterback who takes the field, as he has the ball in his hands more than anybody else. But for a legend like Rodgers, who has accomplished everything, the pressure on him is either non-existent or very little.
A holder of many NFL and franchise records, a Super Bowl MVP, and perhaps the most talented quarterback to ever play the game, Rodgers’s legacy is cemented as arguably the greatest to have ever done it. Now, he could have the chance to cap off a storybook career with one last run alongside his longtime Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy.
With McCarthy calling plays and with Rodgers slinging the pigskin, the Steelers can be playoff contenders and potentially more in 2026. With a strong free agency period and still 12 draft picks upcoming, this team has a great shot to improve on a 10-win season from 2025.
Aaron Rodgers Could Have New Weapons at His Disposal
Dowdle Steelers.
GettyThe Steelers signed Rico Dowdle to a two-year deal this offseason.
Again, if Rodgers decides to return for a final run, he won’t have to shoulder the burden of being the offense’s hero alone. Not only did the Steelers already have a Pro Bowl wide receiver in DK Metcalf and a 1,000-yard scrimmage back in Jaylen Warren on the roster, but they added another pass-catcher and running back this offseason.
They traded for two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and signed back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle to a multi-year deal. Pittsburgh now has a steady duo out wide and in the backfield. Plus, veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth can stretch the field consistently, too. So, this is a cast that can greatly help Rodgers in what could be his final NFL chapter.