The return of Aaron Rodgers to the Pittsburgh Steelers is getting “increasingly likely,” according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
Rodgers has been communicating with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, and Pelissero says that communication has led to the potential of the 42-year-old Rodgers coming back for one more season.
“Rodgers has not yet informed the Steelers whether he’ll return for a 22nd NFL season, but my understanding is, the odds are increasing,” Pelissero said. “I am told Rodgers has spoken several times with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, who of course helped develop Rodgers into a four-time MVP and a Super Bowl winner in Green Bay. Rodgers also has spoken with wide receiver DK Metcalf, who wants Rodgers back at age 42.
“The plan is for Rodgers to take a little bit more time and, everyone hopes, come to a decision prior to the start of free agency in mid-March. This is Aaron Rodgers; only he knows ultimately where this is going to go. If it’s going to come back they need to work out a contract. But at this point it would not be a surprise if Rodgers is back in Pittsburgh.”
Rodgers played under McCarthy’s tutelage for over a decade with the Packers. While the relationship had reportedly gone sour by the end of McCarthy’s time in 2018, it certainly appears the Steelers could try to bring Rodgers back.
Rodgers mulled retirement last offseason after two terrible seasons with the New York Jets following his Hall of Fame-caliber 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He joined Pittsburgh on a one-year contract in June 2025.