All articles tagged with #aaron rodgers
Steelers GM Omar Khan says Rodgers’ decision this year shouldn’t drag on like 2025; ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports a mid‑March decision window around the start of the new league year, with optimism Rodgers could return to Pittsburgh after a season that produced an AFC North title and 24 TDs to 7 INTs.
Rodgers has discussed a potential 2026 return with Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, with insiders saying the odds of a Steelers reunion are increasing; a contract would be required and Rodgers hasn’t made a final decision, but McCarthy’s openness to him as QB1 has renewed the possibility of him playing in Pittsburgh.
In interviews around Super Bowl week, Vikings star Justin Jefferson publicly backs J.J. McCarthy as his quarterback but says there’s still progress to be made, and Aaron Jones criticizes the decision to replace Sam Darnold with McCarthy, while both players hint at a Rodgers reunion in Minnesota, with Jefferson calling it a dream and Jones praising Rodgers’ leadership.
After the Vikings fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the team’s quarterback strategy faced renewed scrutiny as Aaron Rodgers reportedly explored joining Minnesota and ownership meddling was alleged amid a media circus. Rodgers was willing to take a team-friendly deal, but Minnesota didn’t seal a deal and instead evaluated veterans like Daniel Jones, Joe Flacco, and Ryan Tannehill; the club later traded for Sam Howell and signed Carson Wentz, whose injury issues strained the QB situation. Separately, reports criticized the Thielen trade as a depth-driven move influenced by leadership stepping in rather than Adofo-Mensah’s plan.
The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly expect Aaron Rodgers to return for the 2026 season, with Mike McCarthy now at the helm and Rodgers’ strong 2025 showing fueling optimism; insiders say the organization believes he still wants to play and would provide continuity at quarterback if he comes back.
New Steelers coach Mike McCarthy says Pittsburgh already has a playoff roster and will focus on free agency and a strong draft, with Aaron Rodgers potentially returning as quarterback and up to 12 picks projected for the 2026 draft class.
The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly expect Aaron Rodgers to be their starting quarterback next season if he decides to continue playing in the NFL. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly says the team believes Rodgers still wants to play, and new coach Mike McCarthy has indicated he’d welcome him back, though Rodgers has not announced retirement after last season. Rodgers, 42, had 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 16 games, and his decision in the coming weeks will largely determine whether he returns to the league and to Pittsburgh.
Mike McCarthy says a Rodgers reunion with the Steelers would be 'awesome' and a 'great chapter' if Rodgers returns, signaling optimism about their Packers-era pairing despite past tensions, while Pittsburgh weighs quarterback options in a tight market.
With Mike McCarthy guiding the Steelers, Pittsburgh is mapping out its 2026 quarterback plan and is widely expected to bring Aaron Rodgers back if he’s still willing to play. Rodgers hasn’t signed yet, but beat writer Mark Kaboly says many Steelers expect him to return, which would make him the starter if healthy, while Will Howard could serve in a development role rather than Week 1 starter given his limited NFL backing.
An opinionated tour of NFL end-of-season awards: Drake Maye is the regular-season MVP front-runner after clutch performances in snow, while Myles Garrett posts a historic sacks total; rising stars Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua dazzle on offense; the piece also covers coach of the year Ben Johnson and includes humorous and controversial moments (play of the year and Rodgers’ on-field mishap).
In the Steelers' 2026 coaching search, Ben Roethlisberger endorsed Mike McCarthy as a veteran offensive-minded coach with Pittsburgh ties, while cautioning about his long-term commitment; the endorsement comes as Art Rooney II weighs candidates, and Roethlisberger even floated a potential return for Aaron Rodgers if McCarthy is hired.
Steelers reportedly are open to Aaron Rodgers returning for a second season, but the decision will hinge on the next head coach and offensive staff, with most players reportedly wanting Rodgers back.
The Steelers are reportedly planning to interview former Packers coach Mike McCarthy as part of their search to replace Mike Tomlin, a move highlighting McCarthy's Pittsburgh roots and his history with Aaron Rodgers.
Tomlin’s departure leaves Aaron Rodgers’ future with the Steelers in doubt, with owner Art Rooney II saying it will likely affect his decision; Rodgers has hinted at retirement after 2025, while Pittsburgh searches for a new head coach and his next NFL move remains uncertain.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Mike Tomlin's departure makes Aaron Rodgers' return to Pittsburgh unlikely; Rodgers’ first season ended with a 30-7 playoff loss to the Texans, and Steelers owner Art Rooney II hinted Rodgers may not be back. If he leaves, Pittsburgh will rely on Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in 2026 and will likely pursue free agency or the 2026 NFL draft to address quarterback needs.