The Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to figure out a long-term quarterback solution. The retirement of Ben Roethlisberger after the 2021 campaign is still being felt in the present day, but Aaron Rodgers is not a bad placeholder as the franchise plans to assess all options following the 2025 NFL season. The 41-year-old has experienced a lot over the course of his NFL career, and it's hard to imagine anyone could have ever predicted that he would play in the Steel City after defeating the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Nonetheless, he signed a one-year deal in June.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on with intense focus in street clothes as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
There has been plenty of speculation about what Pittsburgh may be thinking internally about a future franchise signal-caller, but there is no doubt that 2025 will be a season for Rodgers to have a chance at one final playoff run. The Steelers haven't been victorious in a postseason matchup since the 2016 campaign, so a lot is riding on the year for both parties.
It's also possible that the veteran quarterback decides that he might have more left in the tank. If the season goes well, but Pittsburgh falls short of achieving its most important goal, Rodgers could see it as necessary to run it back again in 2026. He hasn't closed the door yet, and joined Adam Schein on Mad Dog Sports Radio to discuss the possibility.
"I don't know," Rodgers said. "I mean, I'll reassess all that in the end, but, you know, I signed a one-year contract, so there was nothing in there about playing longer than one year, but we'll see how it goes; and, you know, obviously you'd love to have success and be healthy. We can start there with health and have some success, and enjoy it. You know, make a run. That'd be pretty special, and then we'll figure that out next February."
Rodgers hinted to The Pat McAfee Show after inking a contract with the Steelers that he wouldn't play past 2025, but his words were very carefully said. The door has never officially been shut, and a changed attitude might suggest that he truly is enjoying his time in the Steel City. The organization would have the opportunity to sign him prior to free agency beginning in March, which is why it's interesting to note that he mentioned February in his comments to Schein.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) prepares to unleash a pass as the team works out in front of a packed house during the annual Friday Night Lights practice at 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers fans won't jump the gun on Rodgers playing in 2026 until he proves that he still has it in 2025, but it's evident that he is already putting some thought to it. If the team makes a run and ends up in the Super Bowl, he could decide that he is satisfied with his legendary career, and be ready to hang up his cleats. There's always the possibility that the franchise performs well, but needs one more strong offseason to put together a championship roster.
It will be an enjoyable experience to watch Rodgers compete in the black and gold, and one that the fan base can will certainly not take for granted. It's not often that a first ballot Hall of Famer signs to a team in free agency, even if that individual is 41 years of age. The craziest part is that he could be back for more in 2026, as he won't rule out a return.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) points in the direction of one of his teammates as the group practices during a 2025 training camp work out at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Hoping To Have MVP Rodgers Under Center In 2025
There is no doubt that Rodgers' stint with the New York Jets was underwhelming. He tore his Achilles on the first drive of his 2023 season, and the team was simply not built to win in 2024. He started to play well down the stretch, but the franchise eventually went in a different direction, which led to his release. If he can turn back the clock and play at an elite level, Pittsburgh will be a dangerous squad in the AFC.
Do you think that the Steelers might welcome Rodgers back in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!
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