Steelers reportedly have Aaron Rodgers decision in mind for 2026

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers suggested that he could either play for the Pittsburgh Steelers through the 2026 season or join a different team as a free agent at some point after the new league year opens in March.

During a Wednesday evening appearance on NFL Network, league insider Ian Rapoport discussed whether the Steelers want Rodgers to return for another campaign. 

Steelers "would welcome" Aaron Rodgers back

"If you're the Pittsburgh Steelers, you have to have a quarterback of the future at some point," Rapoport explained, per Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "Let's say you draft someone. Let's say you bring in a young, unproven player, potentially. Who better than Aaron Rodgers to come mentor that player? That actually makes a lot of sense. We know it's been a good experience, too. We know they would welcome him back. I don't see why that wouldn't work."

Rodgers has the 9-7 Steelers a win over the 8-8 Baltimore Ravens this coming Sunday night away from entering the playoffs as champions of the AFC North. That said, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio mentioned that Rodgers could ultimately entertain the idea of signing with a different advertised contender via free agency. Specifically, it's now no secret that Rodgers was interested in joining the Minnesota Vikings last spring. 

Would Aaron Rodgers serve as a mentor with Steelers in 2026?

As for the Steelers' future, they have developmental prospect and 2025 sixth-round draft pick Will Howard on the depth chart. Howard has yet to take a regular-season snap as a pro.

"I've made a point of really trying to help Will because I love him," Rodgers said on Wednesday, per Kozora. "He's a great kid. I think he's got a bright future, and it's one relationship I really wanted to pour into."

Rodgers added that the Steelers quarterback room is "one of the best" he's ever been a part of during his Hall of Fame career. That's all well and good, but Rodgers may feel that Pittsburgh's championship window has closed by the time he hits the open market this coming March. Then again, he could also ride off into the sunset of retirement as soon as next week.