Why there's 'a good chance' Aaron Rodgers will make this Steelers decision

Until 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers officially puts pen to paper on a contract to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season, some will continue to wonder if he truly wants to reunite with recently hired Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy.

During a Wednesday appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated offered an update on the Rodgers situation that continues to hover over the Steelers. 

Aaron Rodgers rediscovered a love of playing with Steelers? 

"My interpretation of it, at least, is that Aaron kind of wanted to fall back in love with football again, right? And really enjoy being a football player," Breer said about Rodgers' experience as a member of the 2025 Steelers, per Jake Brockhoff of Steelers Depot. "...And I think he finally accomplished that last year in Pittsburgh. Even though they didn't achieve the ultimate goal, I think he really enjoyed the year last year. I think, for that reason, there's a good chance he comes back. The presence of Mike McCarthy there, combined with that, sets up for a scenario where, maybe, he could come back and play."

Breer seemingly was referencing how Rodgers clearly didn't thoroughly love his two-campaign stint with the New York Jets that ended last offseason. As for McCarthy, he was first Rodgers' head coach when they were employed by the Green Bay Packers from 2006 through a portion of the 2018 season.

Do Steelers have an Aaron Rodgers backup plan in mind?

Whether or not the Steelers would actually start either longtime backup Mason Rudolph or unproven 2025 rookie Will Howard if Rodgers retires has become a hot topic on Pittsburgh sports-talk radio programs. Recent rumors have suggested that veteran Kirk Cousins could remain available at least until Rodgers confirms his plans for the 2026 season. 

"They've got a pretty good option out there, if it's not Rodgers. And that's Kirk Cousins," Breer added. "Cousins gives them, at least, an option if they don't wind up with Aaron Rodgers." 

There's no indication any other team is willing to give Cousins an opportunity to serve as their 2026 Week 1 starter. Perhaps that is why the Steelers aren't rushing Rodgers to make a final decision regarding the upcoming season this spring.