The Pittsburgh Steelers have hit a weird time as an organization as there is a ton of aging talent on the roster, but the franchise is not currently built to win. That is especially true after news broke of Mike Tomlin stepping down as the head coach of the team. Since it was a mutual parting, the Steelers still retain his rights, but it is unlikely those will ever have to be traded as the former head coach might be done with the coaching part of his life. Pittsburgh also has other massive questions to be answered during the 2026 offseason, with the starting quarterback job being a big one.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Aaron Rodgers played well for the Steelers during the 2025 season, but the quarterback is pondering retirement and he was only signed to a one-year deal. He could decide to end his career, or he could decide to continue it, but play somewhere other than Pittsburgh. Him returning to the Steelers seems unlikely as part of the reason he came in the first place was to play under Tomlin, and that isn't an option for the 2026 season.
NFL pundit Mike Florio brought up an intriguing scenario that could draw Rodgers back to Pittsburgh, but it involves the Steelers taking a pretty big swing.
"Then again, if the Steelers really want another year with Rodgers, one way to make it happen could be to trade for Packers coach, Matt LaFleur," Florio wrote.
This is far-fetched, but it is possible. Matt LaFleur could be considered under fire with the Green Bay Packers as he only has one year left on his deal and the Packers had another disappointing end to their season. He likely won't be fired, but if his team and the organization cannot come to an agreement on an extension, the two sides could part ways.
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Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur gets animated on the sideline during a home game at Lambeau Field.
LaFleur has one season left on his current contract, so Pittsburgh would have to trade for him in order to bring him to town. That could cost a lot in terms of draft capital, especially since Sean Payton was dealt to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a first- and second-round pick. LaFleur has a connection with Rodgers after coaching him for some time, and bringing him in could make Rodgers want to return to the Steelers. The quarterback even stood up for coaches like LaFleur after the playoff loss, stating that it's ridiculous. The head coach acknowledged that praise.
"I'm speechless," LaFleur said. "He didn't have to do that, but he did. It's one of the nicest compliments of my life. I'm so appreciative of him for that."
Rodgers stood up for his former head coach, which means the two are on good terms. That was something that was speculated about when Rodgers left Green Bay, but the two seem to be doing fine now. Bringing LaFleur in would be exciting and risky, but the entire scenario is about as far-fetched as it gets.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers meets with Justin Herbert after losing to the Chargers during the 2025 season.
Steelers Must Move On At Head Coach And Quarterback
Rodgers played great for Pittsburgh in 2025 as mentioned, but most would argue that it is time to find the future at the position. Whether that means allowing Will Howard to start in 2026, or drafting someone new, the Steelers need to find a way to take a step forward as an organization. The franchise needs to find a head coach, but a quarterback is almost just as important. The veteran, win-now, Band-Aid approach at the position has been interesting over the last couple of years, but it hasn't worked.
What do you think about Florio's scenario about the Steelers trading for LaFleur? Let us know in the comments below, or on our social media sites!
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