Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers had a prolonged “will-they-won’t-they” courtship last offseason before teaming up for the 2025 NFL season. Will the two parties take a similar approach to the 2026 offseason?
Originally, it seemed the 2025 season would be Rodgers’ last. He acknowledged he was “pretty sure” that would be the case during a June appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
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However, Rodgers appeared to enjoy his first season in Pittsburgh and helped lead the Steelers to an AFC North title. Could that experience – plus the Steelers’ decision to hire Mike McCarthy after Mike Tomlin stepped down following 19 seasons with the team – convince Rodgers to come back for another campaign?
Here are the latest rumors and reports about Rodgers’ future as he mulls his future ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Is Aaron Rodgers returning to Steelers?
Rodgers has not yet announced his plans for the 2026 NFL season, but NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reported “the odds are increasing” for the 42-year-old to return to the Steelers for a second season.
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Pelissero outlined during NFL Network’s Super Bowl pregame show on Feb. 8 that Rodgers has had discussions with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy – who coached him for 13 years with the Green Bay Packers – as well as wide receiver DK Metcalf as he mulls his future.
“The plan is for Rodgers to take a little bit more time, and everyone hopes [he] comes to a decision prior to the start of free agency in mid-March,” Pelissero said.
Pelissero’s report comes after McCarthy expressed a desire to work with Rodgers again during his introductory news conference on Jan. 27.
McCarthy said Rodgers would “definitely” be the team’s best-case scenario at quarterback and the 62-year-old coach was impressed with how the veteran signal-caller performed in his first season in Pittsburgh.
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“I watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV and I thought he was a great asset for the team,” McCarthy said of Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers contract
With that in mind, Pelissero noted the lone remaining obstacle for Rodgers’ return – aside from his decision – would be having the two parties agree to a contract, as Rodgers is set to be a free agent in 2026.
Last season, Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in June. His deal had a base value of $10 million and up to $13.65 million in incentives.
It isn’t clear whether Rodgers would demand a similar sum in 2026. He has made just over $394.3 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac.com.
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Regardless, there appears to be genuine interest from both sides in a potential reunion for the 2026 season.
“At this point, it would not be a surprise if Rodgers is back in Pittsburgh,” Pelissero said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Aaron Rodgers returning to Steelers? Latest updates, rumors
