A potential reunion with head coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh could entice Aaron Rodgers to suit up for Year 22.
While Rodgers has not yet informed the Steelers whether he will return for a 22nd NFL season, the 42-year-old quarterback has spoken with McCarthy several times about the possibility, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Sunday.
"My understanding is, the odds are increasing," Pelissero said of Rodgers' chances of playing in 2026 on NFL GameDay Morning ahead of Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Calif.
Rodgers previously said he was "pretty sure" his first season in Pittsburgh would be his last in the NFL. After Mike Tomlin stepped down from his post following the Steelers' wild-card exit, it then seemed increasingly likely that Rodgers played his last down in the NFL.
But Pittsburgh's hiring of McCarthy has apparently changed things.
Upon being formally introduced as Steelers coach, McCarthy said he was "definitely" open to the idea of Rodgers being his QB1 in 2026. The pairing, of course, spent a good amount of time in Green Bay, where Rodgers was developed into a four-time MVP and became a Super Bowl-winning QB in 2011 with McCarthy as his coach.
Rodgers had stellar moments in 2025, throwing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns (seven interceptions) in the process of leading the Steelers to an AFC North title. However, the run ended in calamity after a blowout loss to the Texans at home in the Wild Card Round, and Rodgers certainly looked his age in the six-point effort.
Pelissero added that Rodgers will take his time on a decision to play in 2026 and everyone hopes that comes prior to the start of free agency in mid-March.
For now, the door is open for Rodgers to give it another go in Pittsburgh.
"If he's gonna come back, they need to work out a contract," Pelissero said. "But at this point, it would not be a surprise if Rodgers is back in Pittsburgh."
