Aaron Rodgers’ 2026 Return to Steelers Unlikely, Per Latest Rumors

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The 2025 season marked an unexpected chapter for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, as the Pittsburgh Steelers took a swing by signing the veteran quarterback to a one-year deal. After leading Pittsburgh to an AFC North title and playoff berth, Rodgers’ decision on whether to return for the 2026 NFL season has dominated offseason conversation, and the latest insider reports paint a bleak picture for a reunion in black and gold.

Despite optimism earlier this winter, sources now describe Rodgers’ chances of re-signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers for 2026 as unlikely, leaving the franchise at a crossroads as it prepares for a potential rebuild under new leadership.

From One Year Gamble to Growing Doubt

Rodgers signed with the Steelers in June 2025 on a one-year, $13.65 million contract, motivated in part by his hope to cap his illustrious career on his own terms. At age 42, he told the media at the time that the season would likely be his last.

On the field, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, completing a respectable 65.7 % of his passes. While Pittsburgh won the AFC North, its campaign ended with a wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, a bitter finish for a veteran signal-caller many fans hoped would bring playoff experience to the organization.

After the season concluded, Rodgers did engage in discussions with Steelers leadership, and there was initial hope that a deal for 2026 might materialize, especially after the franchise hired Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ former head coach in Green Bay.

Insiders Pour Cold Water on Return Predictions

That hopeful narrative has shifted dramatically in recent days.

According to CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala, people close to Rodgers feel the odds of his return are “minuscule.” She shared on 93.7 The Fan that multiple sources who’ve been around him believe Rodgers is “far more likely that he is done” playing than to sign another NFL contract.

The reporter, Aditi Kinkhabwala, said, “Having spoken to people who were around him, who have been around him, most everyone that I’ve spoken to who has been around him feels that the chance that he comes back to play is minuscule, so you take that for what it’s worth […] all of those people that I spoke to said that it seems far more likely that he is done than that he is going to return”

Steelers in the Driver’s Seat – Waiting Game Creates Risk

Rodgers’ indecision has put the Steelers in a difficult position, especially as free agency and the draft draw near. With the NFL’s new league year beginning on March 11, 2026, Pittsburgh needs clarity on quarterback plans in order to structure its offseason strategy.

If Rodgers ultimately walks away or opts to sign elsewhere, the Steelers will enter 2026 with a relatively inexperienced quarterback room. Current options include:

• Mason Rudolph, who signed a two-year deal in 2025 and provided serviceable backup duty when Rodgers missed time.
• Will Howard, a young signal-caller still early in his development.

Conclusion

At this point in the offseason, the narrative has turned toward skepticism.

Despite initial optimism and a connection to coach McCarthy, multiple insider reports now indicate that Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026.