Steelers Player Confident Aaron Rodgers Will Return

Cornerback Jamel Dean believes the veteran QB will re-sign with Pittsburgh.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:56pm

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Newly signed Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean is confident that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to the team next season. Dean told reporters that he's been waiting years to get Rodgers to sign a football for him, indicating he believes the future Hall of Famer will re-sign with the Steelers.

Why it matters

The Steelers' quarterback situation has been uncertain, with Rodgers considering his options. Dean's comments suggest the team is optimistic Rodgers will be back, which would be a major boost as they look to build on their AFC North title in 2025 under new head coach Mike McCarthy.

The details

Dean, who previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said he is "looking forward to [Rodgers] signing back" with the Steelers. The cornerback said he's been wanting Rodgers to sign a football for him for years, indicating he believes the veteran QB will return to Pittsburgh. The Steelers won the AFC North in 2025 but lost in the playoffs, leading to the departure of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin. McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Rodgers in Green Bay, is now the new Steelers head coach.

  • The Steelers won the AFC North in the 2025 NFL season.
  • Mike Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach following the 2025 season.
  • Mike McCarthy was hired as the new Steelers head coach for the 2026 season.

The players

Jamel Dean

A cornerback who was previously a standout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is now a new signing for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who is considering a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers after the team won the AFC North in 2025.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously won a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers.

Mike Tomlin

The longtime head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers who stepped down following the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“I am looking forward to [Rodgers] signing back. Because that same football, I need him to sign it. I've been waiting like five years just to be able to ask him like, 'Hey, you remember this ball? I've been meaning for you to sign this ball for so many years, and I think this is a good time to do it now.'”

— Jamel Dean, Cornerback (USA Today)

What’s next

The Steelers and Aaron Rodgers will need to finalize a contract for the veteran quarterback to return to the team for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Jamel Dean's comments suggest the Steelers are confident Aaron Rodgers will return to the team, which would be a major boost as they look to build on their 2025 division title under new head coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers' potential reunion with McCarthy, who he won a Super Bowl with in Green Bay, adds an intriguing storyline to the Steelers' offseason.