The Aaron Rodgers Question: Will He Play or Retire?
Another year, another “Will he or won’t he?” saga surrounding Aaron Rodgers. At 42 years old, the future Hall of Famer is a free agent after one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His situation is a lot like Brett Favre’s famous drama in Green Bay years ago: lots of guessing, but so far, he always comes back for one more season.
In 2025, Rodgers played through a serious injury—multiple fractures in his wrist—for the final six games. He still helped the Steelers win 10 games and their first division title in five years. Their season ended with a playoff loss, extending their drought to nine straight seasons without a playoff win. Now, everyone is waiting to see if he’ll try to change that story in 2026.
January: A Shocking Hire Reopens the Door
When longtime coach Mike Tomlin stepped down, it seemed like Rodgers’ time in Pittsburgh was over. Team president Art Rooney II basically said so. But everything changed when the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy was Rodgers’ head coach for 11 seasons in Green Bay. They won a Super Bowl together and had a legendary 15-1 season. The hire wasn’t officially about Rodgers, but Rooney admitted the door was now open for a reunion.
“We’ll see where Aaron is,” Rooney said. “We’ve left the door open.”
Late January: Coach Says “Definitely”
At his first press conference, McCarthy made his interest clear. He said he had already talked to Rodgers and would “definitely” welcome him back.
“I thought he was a great asset for the team,” McCarthy said, praising Rodgers’ 2025 season. But he also noted the team wants to develop young quarterback Will Howard, the former Ohio State star.
February: The GM Sounds Optimistic
At the NFL Scouting Combine, General Manager Omar Khan echoed the same message: the door is open. He said he’s talked to Rodgers and that the quarterback knows the team wants him.
Khan also made it clear the Steelers are planning for the future. With a league-high 12 draft picks, they’re looking for a long-term QB, linking them to college stars like Alabama’s Ty Simpson. Khan hinted this decision shouldn’t take as long as last year’s, when Rodgers signed in June.
Early March: Rodgers Says There’s No Offer
Rodgers broke his silence on “The Pat McAfee Show.” His message was simple: nothing has changed. He’s still a free agent, and the Steelers haven’t made him a formal contract offer.
“There’s been no deadline… There’s no contract offer or anything,” Rodgers said. “I’m a free agent, and I’m enjoying my time.” He said there are no “progressive conversations” happening right now.
Mid-March: Reports Say Steelers Still Want Him
Even without an offer, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Steelers still want Rodgers back for 2026. It seems they’re waiting for him to make the first move.
With other veteran quarterbacks already off the market (like Kyler Murray and Malik Willis), Pittsburgh remains Rodgers’ most likely spot if he decides to play. If he doesn’t return, the team could turn to young Will Howard or, in a long-shot scenario, veteran Kirk Cousins.
New Weapons Are Ready
If Rodgers does come back, he’ll have a new top target. The Steelers traded for star receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who will team up with DK Metcalf to give Pittsburgh a much more dangerous passing game.
Pittman said he hasn’t talked to Rodgers yet but is confident he’ll get to
