Steelers' Aaron Rodgers 2026 Decision Takes Major Twist

NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala casts doubt over quarterback's return to Pittsburgh next season.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala has suggested that the chances of quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season are "minuscule". This contradicts previous reports that indicated Rodgers was likely to return to the team.

Why it matters

Rodgers' future with the Steelers has been a major storyline this offseason, with conflicting reports about his plans. Kinkhabwala's comments, if accurate, would be a significant development that could impact the Steelers' offseason plans and roster construction.

The details

In a Q&A mailbag on February 13, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly expressed confidence that Rodgers would return to the team and could even sign a new contract before the start of 2026 free agency. However, on Wednesday, CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala offered a very different perspective. Kinkhabwala said that based on conversations with people close to Rodgers, "the chance that he comes back to play is minuscule" and that "it seems far more likely that he is done than that he is going to return."

  • On February 13, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly expressed confidence Rodgers would return.
  • On February 19, CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala suggested Rodgers is unlikely to return to the Steelers.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

Veteran NFL quarterback who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 but may be leaning towards retirement.

Aditi Kinkhabwala

CBS Sports NFL insider who reported that Rodgers is unlikely to return to the Steelers in 2026.

Mark Kaboly

Steelers insider who previously expressed confidence that Rodgers would return to the team next season.

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What they’re saying

“Having spoken to people who were around him, who have been around him, most everyone that I've spoken to who has been around him feels that the chance that he comes back to play is minuscule.”

— Aditi Kinkhabwala, CBS Sports NFL Insider (93.7 The Fan)

What’s next

The Steelers will likely need to have contingency plans in place in case Rodgers does decide to retire, as Kinkhabwala's reporting suggests is more likely.

The takeaway

The conflicting reports on Rodgers' future create uncertainty for the Steelers as they plan for the 2026 season. Kinkhabwala's comments, if accurate, would be a significant development that could force the team to explore other quarterback options in the offseason.