Report: Aaron Rodgers ‘more likely than not’ returning to Steelers to play for Mike McCarthy

Aaron Rodgers is expected by many to come back to the Pittsburgh Steelers for 2026. But we can’t be too sure now, can we?

ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported Rodgers is likely going to give it more go under Mike McCarthy, who was just hired as Pittsburgh’s new coach. Coming off an AFC North title and playoff appearance, maybe there’s enough juice to squeeze out one more run.

Granted, Pittsburgh is willing to wait on Rodgers, given the circumstances. So we could still be in for a long process.

“It seems more likely than not that Aaron Rodgers will return next season. Of course, this is Aaron Rodgers we’re talking about. So nothing is set in stone until we hear it from himself,” Pryor said on SportsCenter “And one of the reasons I got the sense that it feels like things are turning in that direction is because of Mike McCarthy’s hire. Those two did not end on great terms in Green Bay. But look, absence makes the heart grow fonder. 

“There’s a lot of love happening here. We heard it from Mike McCarthy in his opening press conference, who wouldn’t want to have Aaron Rodgers back? But look, if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t come back … Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, they are both on the roster. Part of the reason that Mike McCarthy got the job was because of the pitch that he had to develop Will Howard. drafted last year in the sixth round. He’s someone that they believe has a high ceiling.”

The veteran quarterback wrapped up his first season in Pittsburgh, leading them to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title. However, they fell in a lackluster performance against the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.

However, the four-time MVP-winning QB took his time before signing with Pittsburgh during last offseason, not signing his one-year contract with the Steelers until June. Rodgers went into the season assuming it would be his last year in the NFL.

In 16 games last season, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 65.7% completion percentage. Sounds like he can still sling it, right?

But for now, it remains to be seen if Rodgers will go quiet into that good night, return to Pittsburgh, or heck, complete the Brett Favre lore and play for the Minnesota Vikings. The Steelers have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the roster, so without Rodgers, they could turn to one of them or make a surprising move in the NFL Draft.