Steelers Face Uncertainty at QB as Rodgers Retirement Looms

Pittsburgh may need to look to the draft or trade market if the veteran QB calls it a career.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 4:31pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers potentially received disappointing news regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers as NFL free agency approaches. According to reports, there is a 'minuscule chance' that the 42-year-old Super Bowl winner and multi-time NFL MVP will return to the team next season, as he appears to be nearing retirement after 21 seasons in the league.

Why it matters

Rodgers' potential retirement would leave the Steelers in a difficult position at the quarterback position, as they would need to either turn to unproven options like Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, or explore the trade market or NFL Draft for a replacement.

The details

Rodgers had a solid 2025-26 season for the Steelers, throwing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns with 7 interceptions, but the team suffered an early exit in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. With longtime Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stepping down and the team hiring former Packers coach Mike McCarthy, some speculated Rodgers might play for his old coach again. However, reports indicate it is highly unlikely Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh next season, leaving the team to potentially look at options like Kyler Murray, Anthony Richardson, and Malik Willis via trade or the No. 21 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

  • In January, the Packers lost to the Houston Texans 30-6, leading to questions about Rodgers' future.
  • In February 2026, NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala reported there is a 'minuscule chance' Rodgers will return to the Steelers next season.
  • The NFL's new league year and free agency signing period begins on March 11, 2026.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old Super Bowl winner and multi-time NFL MVP who played one season as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike Tomlin

The longtime head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers who stepped down from the position.

Mike McCarthy

The former head coach of the Green Bay Packers who was hired as the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mason Rudolph

A quarterback on the Pittsburgh Steelers' depth chart.

Will Howard

A quarterback on the Pittsburgh Steelers' depth chart.

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What they’re saying

“There is a 'minuscule chance' that Rodgers will return for the Steelers next season.”

— Aditi Kinkhabwala, NFL insider

What’s next

The Steelers will likely need to make a decision on Rodgers' future before March 11, 2026, when the NFL's new league year and free agency signing period begins.

The takeaway

Rodgers' potential retirement would leave the Steelers in a difficult position at quarterback, forcing them to either turn to unproven options or explore the trade market and NFL Draft for a replacement. The team's decision on Rodgers' future will be a key storyline to watch as the offseason progresses.