Steelers Reportedly Have 'Miniscule' Chance of Luring Aaron Rodgers Back

Longtime QB's future remains uncertain as Pittsburgh looks to fill starting role.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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According to NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a 'miniscule' chance of convincing 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return for another season. Kinkhabwala reported that most people she spoke to who have been around Rodgers feel it is far more likely he is done playing than that he will re-sign with the Steelers.

Why it matters

Rodgers' future has been a major storyline this offseason, with conflicting reports about his plans. The Steelers were previously seen as a likely landing spot if Rodgers decided to continue his NFL career, but this new information casts doubt on that possibility.

The details

After the Steelers' final playoff game, a report claimed Rodgers had 'probably' planned to retire during the offseason. However, that was before Pittsburgh hired Mike McCarthy, Rodgers' former coach in Green Bay. Many had believed Rodgers would re-sign with the Steelers to play for McCarthy again, but Kinkhabwala says most people she spoke to who were around Rodgers feel it is more likely he is done playing than that he will return.

  • In December, a report claimed Rodgers 'probably' would retire during the offseason.
  • The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach after the season.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A 42-year-old quarterback who has yet to confirm his plans for the 2026 NFL season.

Mike McCarthy

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

Aditi Kinkhabwala

An NFL insider for CBS Sports who reported that most people she spoke to feel Rodgers is more likely to retire than return to the Steelers.

Will Howard

The Steelers' 2025 sixth-round draft pick who took zero meaningful snaps as a rookie.

Mason Rudolph

The Steelers' longtime backup quarterback who is also on the roster.

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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, so you take that for what it's worth.”

— Aditi Kinkhabwala, NFL Insider (93.7 The Fan)

“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, NFL Insider (93.7 The Fan)

What’s next

The Steelers will need to determine their quarterback plans for the 2026 season if Rodgers does not return, with 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and veteran backup Mason Rudolph currently on the roster.

The takeaway

Rodgers' future remains uncertain, and the Steelers may need to explore other options at quarterback if the future Hall of Famer decides to retire rather than return to Pittsburgh for another season.