Rodgers previously has said he was “pretty sure” his first season in Pittsburgh would be his last in the NFL. After Mike Tomlin stepped down from his post following the Steelers’ wild-card exit, it then seemed increasingly likely that Rodgers played his last down in the NFL.
But Pittsburgh’s hiring of McCarthy has apparently changed things.
Upon being formally introduced as Steelers coach, McCarthy said he was “definitely” open to the idea of Rodgers being his QB1 in 2026. The pairing, of course, spent a good amount of time in Green Bay, where Rodgers was developed into a four-time MVP and became a Super Bowl-winning QB in 2011 with McCarthy as his coach.
Rodgers had stellar moments in 2025, throwing 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns (seven interceptions) in the process of leading the Steelers to an AFC North title. However, the run ended in calamity after a blowout loss to the Texans at home in the Wild Card Round, and Rodgers certainly looked his age in the six-point effort.
Pelissero added on Sunday that Rodgers will take his time on a decision to play in 2026 and everyone hopes that comes prior to the start of free agency in mid-March.
For now, the door is open for Rodgers to give it another go in Pittsburgh.
“If he’s gonna come back, they need to work out a contract,” Pelissero said. “But at this point, it would not be a surprise if Rogers is back in Pittsburgh.”