Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be poised to extend his storied NFL career beyond this season, with a growing sense of optimism surrounding a potential return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026.
A Renewed Passion in Pittsburgh
According to long-time NFL insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the 42-year-old signal-caller is thoroughly enjoying his tenure with the Steelers. This marks a significant shift from his final, often turbulent seasons with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. Rapoport emphasised that the mutual respect between Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin is genuine, citing a telling embrace between the pair as evidence of a successful partnership.
Rodgers signed a one-year contract worth $13.6 million with Pittsburgh after the Jets informed him of their intention to release him in early 2025. Since then, he has steered the team to a 10-7 regular-season record and a coveted playoff berth. While his statistical output averaged a modest 207.6 passing yards per game, the Steelers secured wins in five of their last six games heading into the postseason, fostering a positive environment.
From Retirement Talk to Reunion Speculation
Interestingly, Rodgers began the 2025 campaign openly suggesting it would be his last. However, Rapoport notes that the experience in Pittsburgh has been so positive—both on the field and within the locker room—that the future Hall of Famer is now open to playing another season. The insider stated he understands the Steelers organisation would welcome Rodgers back with open arms, though any deal for the 2026 season remains unsigned and a considerable way off.
Rodgers himself has contrasted his current situation with his difficult stint in New York, praising the Steelers for their tight-lipped culture. "There aren't any leaks in the boat… the antithesis of where I was. To go through a season like this and being able to focus on football has been really nice," he told reporters recently.
A Bitter Exit from New York
His departure from the Jets was abrupt and, by his account, awkward. After a first season lost to a torn Achilles and a dismal 5-12 record in 2024, Rodgers met with new coach Aaron Glenn and front-office officials. He recounted on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show how Glenn, after a brief conversation, leaned in and said, "We're going in another direction at quarterback." The Jets subsequently released him and brought in former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, finishing the 2025 season with a 3-14 record.
For now, the focus in Pittsburgh is on the immediate playoff challenge against the Houston Texans. But regardless of Monday's wild-card outcome, the prospect of Aaron Rodgers returning for another chapter in black and gold appears stronger than anyone anticipated just a few months ago.
