The Pittsburgh Steelers face the familiar predicament of waiting to learn whether Aaron Rodgers will play for them next season.
After signing with them last June, Rodgers enters another offseason unsure of his future. The 42-year-old could retire, but recent reports suggest his chances of returning to Pittsburgh are increasing.
ESPN’s Brooke Pyor provided more hope to Steelers fans who want Rodgers back in 2026. While she wasn’t confident Rodgers would return after Pittsburgh’s first-round loss to the Houston Texans, Pryor indicated on Friday’s “SportsCenter” that the situation has changed after the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy, his former Green Bay Packers head coach.
“I get the sense that he is more likely to come back than not,” Pryor said. “But I would write that in pencil. I would not write that in pen. At the very least, erasable pen because you’re not going to believe it until you hear it from Aaron Rodgers.”
Pryor speculated that the Steelers “would like a decision sooner rather than later.” However, she believes this year is different than last offseason because they can focus on developing 2025 draft pick Will Howard while awaiting Rodgers’ decision.
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McCarthy said upon joining the Packers that he would “definitely” welcome a Rodgers reunion. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio claimed earlier this week that the Steelers want the four-time MVP back, but they’re in “no hurry” to rush his decision.
Rodgers registered a 94.8 quarterback rating in his 21st season but just 207.6 passing yards per game, his lowest career average as a starter.
More NFL: Report: ‘Odds Are Increasing’ That Aaron Rodgers Returns To Steelers
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