Why Steelers remained confident Aaron Rodgers would always return for 2026 season

On multiple occasions throughout the offseason, first-year Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy strongly suggested that he was "confident" that Aaron Rodgers would eventually re-sign with the team to be its starting quarterback for the 2026 campaign. 

It now seems likely that Rodgers will put pen to paper on a deal with the Steelers before the team's OTAs begin on May 18. During Friday's edition of the NFL Network "Good Morning Football" program, league insider Ian Rapoport touched upon why McCarthy and Co. always believed Rodgers would return to the organization this spring. 

Aaron Rodgers' actions indicated he wanted to play for Steelers this year

"My understanding is Rodgers has also kind of continued the conversation and the acclimation process with his receivers, getting to know some of the old ones, and some of the new ones like Michael Pittman [Jr.], just kind of furthering the thought that he is expected to be the Steelers' quarterback in 2026," Rapoport said, per Josh Carney of Steelers Depot. "Not saying it's imminent that he's gonna sign this weekend. There is still no deal. We still have to discuss things right now on the books for $15M. Next year remains to be seen, whether that's gonna be the final contract or whether Rodgers is going to get a little bit more." 

Rapoport was referencing the money attached to the unrestricted free-agent tender that the Steelers recently placed on Rodgers. He reportedly could look to get "closer to market value" as it pertains to the next contract he signs with Pittsburgh. Then again, Rodgers has a history of leaving some money on the table to help his teams out. 

Steelers expect latest Aaron Rodgers saga to be wrapped up soon

Some Steelers fans were alarmed when they heard/read that there was no guarantee as of Friday that Rodgers would be back atop the depth chart by May 18. That said, there seems to be only one conclusion to this story. 

"The expectation is that Rodgers is back with these Steelers next season with Mike McCarthy, where he can hit the ground running, and the Steelers will once again be in the same position they were last year with a good, big-name, well-known quarterback, a pretty good defense, and absolutely a chance to go and get it," Rapoport added during his update. 

It's now clear that former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin knew months before Rodgers signed his contract last year that the future Hall of Famer would spend the 2025 season with Pittsburgh. One wonders if McCarthy will make similar comments about Rodgers' status before Steelers players go on their summer breaks next month.