Aaron Rodgers' 2026 Steelers Return Odds Rise Again

Reports suggest a possible comeback, though uncertainty remains about his future with the team.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:05pm

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After a quiet start to the offseason, the discussion surrounding Aaron Rodgers' potential return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026 has gained new momentum. While some analysts initially doubted his comeback, recent reports suggest the quarterback's return remains a strong possibility, reigniting interest among Steelers fans and NFL insiders alike.

Why it matters

Rodgers' potential return to the Steelers would be a major storyline in the NFL, as he previously had a successful first season with the team in 2025. However, uncertainty remains about his long-term future and ability to lead the team, especially given his age and playoff struggles.

The details

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero stated that the odds of Rodgers returning to the Steelers are rising, while Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly suggested Rodgers could sign a contract within the next month. However, CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala expressed skepticism, saying those around Rodgers believe he is more likely to retire than return. Rodgers' decision timeline and the Steelers' coaching changes have also complicated the speculation.

  • Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes in his first Steelers season in 2025, tallying 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
  • The Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs in 2025 after Rodgers struggled, completing 17 of 33 passes for only 146 yards and throwing one interception against the Houston Texans.
  • Rodgers will be approaching 43 years old near the end of the 2026 season.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A veteran NFL quarterback who played his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 after a long career with the Green Bay Packers.

Tom Pelissero

An NFL Network reporter who has provided updates on the likelihood of Rodgers returning to the Steelers in 2026.

Mark Kaboly

A Steelers reporter who has suggested Rodgers could sign a contract with the team within the next month.

Aditi Kinkhabwala

A CBS Sports analyst who has expressed skepticism about the chances of Rodgers returning to the Steelers, based on conversations with people close to him.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose resignation initially cast doubt on Rodgers' potential return.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers, keeping the door open for a potential return.

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What they’re saying

“The odds, as I said on Super Bowl Sunday, they are rising that Aaron Rodgers comes back. If he's going to play, I believe it will be for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter

“I fully expect Rodgers to sign with the Steelers within the next month.”

— Mark Kaboly, Steelers Correspondent

“In conversations with people who were around him all year who were with him when he was leaving the Steelers when the season was over, all of those people that I spoke to said that it seems far more likely that he is done than that he is going to return.”

— Aditi Kinkhabwala, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

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The takeaway

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