Steelers Confident Rodgers Choosing Between Them or Retirement

Pittsburgh believes the veteran QB is only considering two options for his NFL future.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:04pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are hopeful that Aaron Rodgers will return to the team in 2026, but they acknowledge it's ultimately a personal decision for the veteran quarterback. Head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed confidence in Rodgers' return based on their ongoing communication, while team insiders have revealed the Steelers believe Rodgers is only choosing between playing for them or retiring, with no interest in joining another NFL franchise.

Why it matters

Rodgers' decision will have major implications for the Steelers' quarterback situation and their plans for the upcoming season. If he returns, it would solidify their roster and championship aspirations. If he retires, the team will need to pivot to a new starting QB, potentially through the draft or free agency.

The details

The Steelers and Rodgers have maintained open communication throughout the offseason, with McCarthy expressing confidence that the QB will ultimately choose to play for Pittsburgh in 2026. Team insiders have stated the Steelers believe Rodgers is only considering two options - returning to the Steelers or retiring - and is not seeking a contract with another NFL team. The Steelers expect Rodgers to make his decision known before the NFL Draft, allowing the team to plan accordingly.

  • The Steelers expect Rodgers to make his decision known before the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A veteran NFL quarterback who has spent the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has been in communication with Rodgers about his future.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Art Rooney II

The president of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gerry Dulac

A Pittsburgh Steelers insider who has reported on the team's understanding of Rodgers' situation.

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What they’re saying

“I'm confident. But at the end of the day, it's a personal decision. So, I think we're in a good space.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

“The one thing they know, though, Brian, is that this isn't a case where Aaron Rodgers is seeking another team or money. It's not about the contract, it's not about more money, and it's not like he is going to go somewhere else. It's either the Steelers or he is retiring. That is their understanding, and that has been the understanding all along.”

— Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Steelers Insider

What’s next

The Steelers expect Rodgers to make his decision known before the 2026 NFL Draft, allowing the team to plan accordingly for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Rodgers' decision will have major implications for the Steelers, who are confident he is only considering two options - returning to Pittsburgh or retiring. The team's championship aspirations hinge on Rodgers' choice, and they are hopeful he will choose to play for them in 2026.