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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said he wants Aaron Rodgers to return in 2026.
When it comes to how the 2026 season may unfold for the Pittsburgh Steelers, much of it could hinge on whether Aaron Rodgers decides to return.
Rodgers is coming off his lone season in Pittsburgh, leading the Steelers back to the playoffs — though with the same result as the previous two seasons: a Wild Card exit.
Many believed the veteran quarterback would call it quits after what would be his 21st NFL season. Even Rodgers seemed to hint at that possibility when he signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh.
But that may no longer be the case.
Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw joined 103.7 The Buzz on Feb. 10 and suggested Rodgers is open to returning for one more season.
“I have heard, right [before] the McCarthy thing was announced, I had already heard that Aaron Rodgers had told Mike, ‘If you want me to come back for a year, I’ll come back and join you,’” Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw did not clarify whether the “Mike” he referenced was Mike Tomlin or new head coach Mike McCarthy. He also did not identify his source. Still, Rodgers has strong ties to both, making either scenario plausible.
Mike McCarthy Is Open to Aaron Rodgers Return
During his introductory press conference, McCarthy made it clear he would welcome Rodgers back in 2026.
“Definitely. I don’t see why you wouldn’t,” McCarthy said when asked if he wanted Rodgers in Pittsburgh. “I just think just like anything, knowing Aaron long enough, going through seasons. .. I think when players … when guys are up at that stage of their career, they need to step away and decompress. I think that’s very important. The game is so emotional. What these men commit to, what they put into it. I think that time away is important.”
The two spent several seasons together in Green Bay, winning Super Bowl XLV following the 2010 season.
“My understanding is, the odds are increasing,” NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero said of Rodgers’ chances of playing in 2026 during NFL GameDay Morning ahead of Super Bowl LX.
That sentiment appears to be gaining traction as the offseason unfolds.
Aaron Rodgers Return to the Steelers Makes Sense
There are several factors suggesting a Rodgers return could make sense for both sides.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Rodgers felt “refreshed” following the 2025 season despite the Steelers’ Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans.
“One source I spoke to said Rodgers is in a much better place coming out of his year with the Steelers compared with his previous two years with the Jets,” Fowler wrote. “He greatly valued his experience in Pittsburgh, and teammates raved about him, both publicly and in exit meetings with the team. The Steelers have been open to a Rodgers return since early in the season, and I don’t sense that has changed.”
The coaching staff continuity also works in Rodgers’ favor.
McCarthy’s arrival brings obvious familiarity. New offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio also has prior experience within McCarthy’s system, having served on the Packers’ offensive staff from 2016 to 2018.
Additionally, respected offensive line coach James Campen — another familiar face from Rodgers’ time in Green Bay — joins the staff.
If Rodgers does return, the transition would be as seamless as possible for a 21-year veteran.
For now, Steelers fans wait once again to see whether Rodgers will suit up in black and gold for one more run or if he’ll finally ride off into the sunset.
Shane Shoemaker Shane Shoemaker is a sports journalist covering college football and the NFL for Heavy.com. His work has also appeared in The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, USA TODAY, and ClutchPoints, along with high school sports coverage for the Marion Tribune. More about Shane Shoemaker
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