Aaron Rodgers‘ 21st season in the NFL ended when he and the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Houston Texans in the wild card round. While Pittsburgh didn’t hoist the Lombardi Trophy, it was a solid year, going 10-7 and winning the AFC North.
Rodgers was key to that success, completing 327-of-498 passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 94.8 passer rating. Despite yet another strong showing from the 10-time Pro Bowler, he is considering retirement.
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Set to hit free agency on March 11, Rodgers made a Wednesday appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” saying “there have not been any progressive conversations” toward a potential return to the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8).Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
(Barry Reeger-Imagn Images)
While the 42-year-old continues to weigh his options, Pittsburgh must do the same. Yahoo Sports’ Matt Harmon predicts the Steelers will sign Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
“I think he fits well in a more spread-out Mike McCarthy West Coast offense that emphasizes static perimeter routes,” Harmon wrote. “Murray would make for an interesting bounce-back candidate on a team that had a solid enough roster to keep pushing in the AFC North.”
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After seven seasons in Arizona, the Cardinals have already informed Murray he will be released after the start of the new league year. As the former No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, he had a promising start to his career.
Murray threw for over 3,500 yards in each of his first three seasons, even earning Pro Bowl appearances in 2020 and 2021. However, it’s a mark he’s hit just one more time over the past four years.
After suffering a season-ending foot injury, Murray appeared in just five games in 2025. He threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions and an 88.6 passer rating.
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With Rodgers’ future as uncertain as ever, keeping Murray on their radar could give the Steelers a potential backup plan.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.