Aaron Rodgers‘ future in Pittsburgh has quietly become one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason, even as the franchise searches for a new head coach and resets after the end of the Mike Tomlin era.
Inside the building, however, the message from the locker room has been unusually consistent: players want the veteran quarterback back for another run.
According to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh Steelers players overwhelmingly praised Rodgers during exit interviews and expressed support for him returning in 2026.
“Almost all Steelers players praised Rodgers during their exit interviews, and most if not all of them want the veteran quarterback to return in 2026,” Schefter reported.
Those around the organization described his influence as universally respected, a notable endorsement for a 42 year old quarterback nearing the end of his career.
Rodgers has not committed either way. Schefter added that the four time MVP plans to take time away before deciding whether to retire or return. On the field, his 2025 season offered reasons for optimism and caution alike.
Rodgers guided Pittsburgh to a 10 and 6 record as a starter, throwing for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, including a dramatic Week 18 comeback against Baltimore Ravens that sealed the AFC North title.
The postseason exposed lingering volatility. Pittsburgh was eliminated in the wild card round by Houston Texans after two Rodgers turnovers were returned for touchdowns in a lopsided loss, a sobering reminder of how thin the margin can be in January.
A familiar coach could shift the equation
The coaching search may ultimately decide whether Rodgers sees a future in Pittsburgh.
NFL insiders report the Steelers are expected to speak with former Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native who previously worked alongside general manager Omar Khan in New Orleans Saints.
McCarthy‘s history with Rodgers is extensive. He oversaw Rodgers‘ rise in Green Bay Packers after Brett Favre‘s departure, guiding him to a Super Bowl title and two MVP awards.
Their partnership defined more than a decade of NFC contention, giving McCarthy a rare understanding of how to structure an offense around Rodgers‘ strengths.
A reunion would offer continuity and comfort at a time when the quarterback faces uncertainty.
Still, Tomlin‘s departure complicates matters. Steelers president Art Rooney II acknowledged that Rodgers originally came to Pittsburgh specifically to play for Tomlin.
“Look, Aaron came here to play for Mike. So I think it would most likely affect his decision,” Rooney said.
The organization understands that the quarterback position will be a central topic during coaching interviews as Pittsburgh maps out its next phase.
Rodgers‘ age and durability also factor into the calculus. At 42, he has hinted that his career is closer to the end than the beginning, making the stability of leadership and roster construction more important than ever if he chooses to continue.
The Steelers are historically deliberate in moments like this, having employed only three head coaches since 1969. That organizational patience adds gravity to every decision, from who leads the sideline to who leads the huddle.
For now, Rodgers remains in wait and see mode, buoyed by strong support from teammates and the possibility of a familiar voice returning to his headset.
Whether that alignment materializes will determine if Pittsburgh‘s quarterback story extends another chapter or turns the page entirely.
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