Steelers Reporter Thinks Aaron Rodgers Is Leaning This Way On 2026 Decision

Veteran QB's future with Pittsburgh remains uncertain as he weighs retirement

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again waiting to learn whether veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to the team next season or retire. After signing with the Steelers last June, the 42-year-old Rodgers is entering another offseason unsure of his future plans. However, recent reports suggest his chances of returning to Pittsburgh are increasing, especially with the team's recent hiring of his former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

Why it matters

Rodgers' decision will have major implications for the Steelers' quarterback situation and plans for the 2026 season. If he returns, the team can focus on developing 2025 draft pick Will Howard while leaning on Rodgers' experience. If he retires, the Steelers will need to find a new starting QB and accelerate Howard's development.

The details

ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported that she gets the sense Rodgers is "more likely to come back than not" after the Steelers hired McCarthy, though she cautioned the situation remains fluid. Pryor speculated the Steelers would like a decision from Rodgers "sooner rather than later," but believes this year is different than last offseason since they can focus on Howard while awaiting Rodgers' choice. McCarthy said he would "definitely" welcome a Rodgers reunion, while Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio claimed the Steelers want the four-time MVP back but are in "no hurry" to rush his decision.

  • Rodgers signed with the Steelers last June.
  • The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach in 2026.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old veteran quarterback who is weighing whether to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers or retire after signing with the team last June.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers.

Will Howard

The Steelers' 2025 draft pick at quarterback, who the team can focus on developing while awaiting Rodgers' decision.

Brooke Pryor

An ESPN reporter who provided insight into Rodgers' potential decision to return to the Steelers.

Mike Florio

A reporter for Pro Football Talk who claimed the Steelers want Rodgers back but are in no hurry to rush his decision.

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What they’re saying

“I get the sense that he is more likely to come back than not. 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.”

— Brooke Pryor, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

“Definitely.”

— Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach (N/A)

“The Steelers want Rodgers back, but they're in no hurry.”

— Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk Reporter (Pro Football Talk)

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to wait for a decision from Aaron Rodgers on whether he will return for the 2026 season or retire. The team's plans for the upcoming season, including the development of 2025 draft pick Will Howard, will hinge on Rodgers' choice.

The takeaway

Aaron Rodgers' future with the Pittsburgh Steelers remains uncertain, but recent reports suggest the veteran quarterback is leaning towards returning to the team in 2026, especially with the hiring of his former Packers coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers are in a holding pattern as they await Rodgers' decision, which will have major implications for their quarterback situation and plans for the upcoming season.