'Odds increasing' for Aaron Rodgers' return to Steelers, per report
Don't be surprised if Rodgers returns for his 22nd season
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1 min read
A decent portion of the NFL world believed that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers would retire this offseason after completing his 21st season at 42-years-old. Longtime coach Mike Tomlin stepped down, and it appeared the franchise would embrace the rebuild it had put off for some time. However, Pittsburgh's trajectory shifted when the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy to be their new coach.
The odds are increasing for Rodgers to return to the Steelers in 2026, per NFL Media. He reportedly spoke with McCarthy multiple times, and his top wideout, DK Metcalf, wants Rodgers back, as well. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer is going to take some time to figure out what he wants to do, but at this point, it wouldn't be shocking if Rodgers signed a new deal to return to Pittsburgh.
McCarthy and Rodgers spent 13 seasons together with the Green Bay Packers from 2006-18, and won Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Their relationship wasn't always perfect, but McCarthy made it clear in his introductory press conference last month that he would like Rodgers as his quarterback.
"Definitely. I don't see why you wouldn't," McCarthy told reporters. "I have spoken to Aaron, and so that's really where we are there. I was able to sit back and watch the games. I watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team."
In his one season with the Steelers, Rodgers went 10-6 as the starter and threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Steelers clinched the AFC North thanks to a thrilling Week 18 victory over the rival Baltimore Ravens, but were quickly ousted from the postseason by the Houston Texans in the wild-card round, 30-6. Rodgers' final passing attempt was a pick six to Calen Bullock. Would he really want his career to end like that?
Rodgers ranks No. 5 on the NFL's all-time passing list with 66,274 yards, and No. 4 in passing touchdowns with 527. If he does decide to retire, Rodgers would do so as one of the best quarterbacks ever. He's a Super Bowl champion, a 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time NFL MVP.
