Aaron Rodgers Reportedly Poised to Return to Steelers After Cousins' Raiders Move

NFL insider Mike Florio suggests Rodgers' former Vikings rival may have consulted the QB before signing with Las Vegas.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:51am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of black, gold, and other colors, conveying the intensity and energy of the competition.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes quarterback matchup that could be on the horizon in Pittsburgh.Today in Pittsburgh

With Aaron Rodgers' future still uncertain, the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has been a topic of speculation. However, NFL insider Mike Florio believes Rodgers is likely to return to the Steelers after the team's reported interest in free agent Kirk Cousins. Florio suggests Cousins may have reached out to Rodgers to gauge his plans before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, indicating Rodgers intends to re-sign with Pittsburgh.

Why it matters

The Steelers' quarterback room currently features veteran Mason Rudolph and second-year player Will Howard, so retaining Rodgers would be crucial for the team's chances of competing in the AFC North next season. Rodgers, though not at his MVP level in recent years, is still considered a starting-caliber QB in the NFL.

The details

According to Florio, the logic behind Cousins' move to the Raiders is that he may have consulted with Rodgers, his former divisional rival, to determine if the future Hall of Famer planned to return to Pittsburgh. Florio speculates that Cousins likely learned Rodgers intends to re-sign with the Steelers, prompting Cousins to pursue other options like the Raiders.

  • On April 3, 2026, NFL insider Mike Florio discussed Cousins' move to the Raiders on his show, Pro Football Talk on NBC.
  • Cousins and Rodgers were divisional rivals for five seasons from 2018 to 2022 when Cousins played for the Vikings and Rodgers for the Packers.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A future Hall of Fame quarterback who remains a free agent, but is reportedly poised to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season.

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who recently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, but may have consulted with Rodgers before making his decision.

Mike Florio

An NFL insider who hosts the show Pro Football Talk on NBC and discussed the potential connection between Cousins' Raiders move and Rodgers' plans to return to the Steelers.

Mason Rudolph

The Steelers' current veteran quarterback, who would likely be replaced by Rodgers if the future Hall of Famer returns to Pittsburgh.

Will Howard

The Steelers' soon-to-be second-year quarterback, who would also be impacted by Rodgers' potential return to the team.

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What they’re saying

“Now, maybe this move reflects knowledge by Kirk Cousins and or his agent that Aaron Rodgers is indeed going to return to Pittsburgh.”

— Mike Florio, NFL Insider

“I don't know what the etiquette is among veteran quarterbacks on the wrong side of 35, but I don't think it would be unreasonable for Kirk Cousins to pick up the phone and call Aaron Rodgers. They know each other from their time. It wasn't many years, but it was 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. It's five years. They were home and home rivals every year with the Packers and the Vikings.”

— Mike Florio, NFL Insider

“Cousins calls up Rodgers, assuming Rodgers isn't at his home in Malibu where the cell service, for whatever reason, is non-existent, and says, 'Hey, look, they're kind of interested in me in Pittsburgh, but it all hinges on what you're going to do. I've got other options. Can you just let me know? I won't tell anybody. Just let me know, because if you are, I'm going to go elsewhere.'”

— Mike Florio, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Steelers will need to officially re-sign Rodgers in the coming weeks to solidify their quarterback position for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This potential move by Rodgers to return to the Steelers would be a significant boost for the franchise as they look to compete in the AFC North, with the veteran quarterback still capable of leading a playoff-caliber team despite not being at his peak MVP level in recent years.