The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping they can still tempt Aaron Rodgers to run it back with them.
The 42-year-old veteran quarterback spent the 2025 NFL campaign donning the Black and Gold jersey, though many thought it would be his last amid retirement speculation.
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Rodgers’ retirement decision is still not confirmedCredit: Getty
After claiming the AFC North title in a Week 17 thriller against the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers would bow out of the NFL postseason at the first hurdle, suffering a 30-6 defeat to the Houston Texans.
Shortly after, long-time head coach Mike Tomlin announced his departure from the team – of his own accord – after 19 years, with reports he could be heading into a TV role.
Following his exit, speculation has grown over what this could mean for Rodgers, though Pittsburgh’s appointment of Mike McCarthy as only their fourth head coach since 1969 changed the narrative once again.
“When Mike Tomlin stepped away, I thought that was the end for Aaron Rodgers because he had always made clear the reason he wanted to be in Pittsburgh was because of Mike Tomlin,” NFL.com’s Judy Battista exclusively told talkSPORT’s Will Gavin during Super Bowl LX week‘s Radio Row.
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“But then they hired Mike McCarthy and I was like, ‘Oh, maybe he comes back’. Mike McCarthy has already made clear that he has had multiple conversations with Aaron trying to give him time to make his decision.
“But certainly they [the Steelers] have been very clear that they would like him back. They really want him back.”
Rodgers proved he can still play in the NFL
Joining the Steelers on a one-year deal back in June, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 24 touchdowns to just seven interceptions – his best figure since the 2021 season when a member of the Green Bay Packers.
Battista further opened up on how she viewed Rodgers’ year in Pittsburgh, adding: “I think he really loved his time in Pittsburgh. He fit in well.
“He really liked just the whole atmosphere and the clubhouse and the ownership. I think he had a great experience in Pittsburgh.
“So I think if he plays this year, it will be for Pittsburgh. I guess I don’t know why he wouldn’t play. He played well this year. … He looked good, he can still play.
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Rodgers went to Pittsburgh specifically to work with TomlinCredit: Getty
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NFL.com’s Judy Battista revealed her thoughts on Aaron Rodgers’ retirement plansCredit: Talksport
“He would have a head coach who he is extremely comfortable with and has had the highest level of success with. I think it would be a great formula for the Pittsburgh Steelers as long as, at the same time, they get a young quarterback to develop.”
Rodgers and McCarthy have proven chemistry with each other, having worked together for a decade in Green Bay, and even winning a Super Bowl ring.
Despite all his experience at the helm of an NFL team, McCarthy’s appointment was not a popular one among the Steel City faithful, with him still yet to fill out his coaching staff.
Nonetheless, former Steelers quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Charlie Batch believes his former team has made a great hire, which could help them to win a Vince Lombardi Trophy in the future.
“I’m excited about the Mike McCarthy hire and what he brings to Pittsburgh,” Batch exclusively told Gavin. “It brings instant credibility going from one proven coach to another.
“Ultimately you have the system that he’s going to run where he likes to throw the ball around. He has a track record for being able to score points and that’s something that this Pittsburgh team needs.
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McCarthy and Rodgers won a Super Bowl together with the PackersCredit: Getty
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“You’re not getting a coach that you know is gonna be here 15-20 years. But if he’s able to produce and bring a Super Bowl, then maybe their opinions shift on what the original hire looked like.
“But for me, I get excited because Mike McCarthy sparked this offense and then obviously being able to set up whoever that franchise quarterback is gonna be.”
Rodgers could be pivotal to Will Howard’s development
Batch can see a path where the 21-year veteran does return, and act in a mentor role to young and so far unproven prospect Will Howard.
“We don’t know if Aaron Rodgers is gonna come back,” he explained. “If he does, ultimately he’s gonna help Will Howard in learning this system and then being able to now pass it off to him, and hopefully he’s the quarterback of the future for the next ten years.
“I can see him coming back and I support it. I say that only because we don’t know when we want to hand the reins over to Will Howard.
“We have to remember he got hurt at the wrong time right before the preseason game started. So you don’t have an evaluation process with him in game action.
“And then he when he did return it was only for two months of the season and he was only on the scout team running the other team’s plays.
“So now he’s behind the eight ball a little bit from a learning curve perspective. You add Aaron Rodgers in here. He’s been in this system for 18 years and what better way for Will Howard to learn from a four-time MVP in that offense?”
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Ex-Steelers QB Charlie Batch loves the appointment of McCarthy and would welcome Rodgers’ return to the teamCredit: Talksport
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Howard has yet to make his NFL debut, but could be a huge part of the Steelers’ franchise going forwardCredit: Getty
McCarthy has not shied away from concealing how fond he is of the former Ohio State quarterback, who led the Buckeyes to the 2025 NCAA College Football National Championship.
Having been touted by some as being selected too far down in the 2025 draft when he was taken in the sixth-round with the 185th overall pick, he could really relish another season working with a future Hall of Famer in Rodgers.
However, Batch does question how much it would potentially cost to lure him back to playing in Pittsburgh for one more season.
“The only caveat to this, and this is going to be the thing that I think will be the ultimate determining factor will be the money,” Batch said.
“The money that he played for last year I don’t expect him to play for this year because he proved that No. 1, he could still play, and No. 2, he deserves a pay raise.
“But what does that look like on a one-year deal before you’re now able to pass it on to Will Howard? So I think all of those conversations will continue to take place.
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“Right now It’s just too early only because we just finished the season three weeks ago. He’s probably still banged up hurt and when you get to that point, you’re not immediately thinking about what next year looks like.”
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