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Pittsburgh Steelers Purposely Kept Aaron Rodgers Away From The Team — Here’s Why

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

After several months full of months and speculation, Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to reunite on a one-year, $25 million deal. The 42-year-old led the team to the AFC North title in 2025, leaving good sensations under Mike Tomlin.

With Mike McCarthy taking over the team, Rodgers decided to reunite with his former coach to try to take the Steelers to the promised land.

The decision took all the way to the OTAs, but it was all planned by the Steelers. McCarthy had a big role in that call, which didn’t have anything to do with his relationship with Rodgers.

Why Did The Steelers Keep Aaron Rodgers Away?

Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Despite having a sour relationship with McCarthy towards the end of his Green Bay tenure, that had nothing to do with the team’s decision to keep the quarterback away until now. NFL insider Albert Breer revealed the reasoning behind that call.

“Part of the deal in Aaron Rodgers staying away until the start of OTAs was giving Mike McCarthy more time to work with and see what he had in Will Howard,” Breer said. “Hard to say what he’ll become, but the Steelers coach seems to see something in him.”

Rodgers played 16 games in 2025, going 327 of 498 for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns with seven interceptions.

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