Would Steelers be interested in running it back with Aaron Rodgers in 2026?

Aaron Rodgers hasn't yet taken a meaningful snap as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers but has nevertheless teased on multiple occasions that he could continue playing beyond the upcoming season. 

That said, Rodgers recently acknowledged that the fact that he signed only a one-year contract to join the Steelers in June indicates the club could move on from him in 2026. During a Thursday appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, Steelers reporter Jeff Hathhorn shared what he thinks would have to happen for Pittsburgh to want to run it back with Rodgers next year. 

"I would think if they have that type of success where they win a playoff game, to which, if you win a playoff game, you feel like you're on the edge," Hathhorn said about the Steelers and Rodgers possibly extending their relationship, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "I think health above all else is gonna be the thing with Aaron. Even if they were to get into the playoffs, but he gets banged up a lot, he may decide that's it."

The Steelers haven't won a playoff game under head coach Mike Tomlin since the 2016 season, and Rodgers has gone several years without a postseason appearance. While with the Green Bay Packers during the 2022 campaign, Rodgers played with a broken thumb on his throwing hand before Green Bay was eliminated from postseason play via a Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions. His 2023 season came to an end when he suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into his official New York Jets debut. 

Rodgers ultimately made 17 starts last season even though he dealt with injuries to both his knees, a low ankle sprain, a hip problem and a serious hamstring issue as the Jets limped to a 5-12 record. A new Jets regime showed him the door earlier this year. 

Career backup Mason Rudolph, journeyman Skylar Thompson and 2025 sixth-round draft pick Will Howard are currently sharing Pittsburgh's quarterback room with Rodgers. Unless one of Pittsburgh's other three options surprisingly emerges as a long-term option for the franchise by the time Rodgers turns 42 years old in December, he could look to finish his career "the right way" with the Steelers by playing through the 2026 season.