Step one for the Pittsburgh Steelers was hiring a new head coach after Mike Tomlin abruptly stepped down from his post. The team decided to bring in supposed quarterback whisperer Mike McCarthy, which signaled that the organization was shifting from how it normally operates. Going after an offensive-minded coach was certainly a change of pace compared to searches from the past, and fans are now expecting the franchise to find the future at the signal-caller position sooner rather than later. That doesn't mean, however, that the solution will come in 2026.
Amy Lemus / NurPhoto / Getty Images
Former Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands on the sideline with his headset on as his old team participates in a professional football game.
Currently, Will Howard and Mason Rudolph are under contract for the 2026 campaign. The Steelers can elect to trade for a third quarterback, sign someone in free agency, draft one, or hope that Aaron Rodgers wants to return for one more season. There are a lot of variables in play, which has the fan base on edge as it awaits for concrete answers about the most important position in all of sports.
This is why every report is being carefully analyzed. Rodgers has a very tight-knit circle, and it's very rare that his thoughts and opinions get out into the open unless he is the one expressing them. Some within the organization, though, could have some inside information about what the four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer may be thinking.
Mark Kaboly works as a Steelers correspondent for The Pat McAfee Show, and has covered the team for over two decades. On Friday morning, he reported via social media that there are several individuals in Pittsburgh's building that not only want Rodgers to return, but believe that he will.
"Not only do the Steelers want Rodgers to be their starting quarterback, but officials within the organization believe that Rodgers wants to continue playing, despite telling the Pat McAfee Show last year that he was going to retire after the 2025 season," Kaboly wrote.
There have been some rumors floating around about when the Steelers may hear from the 42-year-old about what he wants to do, and Kaboly emphasized once again that Pittsburgh wants him back, and should know his decision by the time free agency gets underway.
"At this point, the Steelers believe that Rodgers will return, they want him to return, and expect to hear something definitive before free agency on March 11, but will allow the oldest player in the NFL time before that to definitively make that decision," Kaboly noted.
This is the first pretty concrete reporting that suggests the Steelers don't just want Rodgers back, but also fully believe that he will be under center in 2026. It would make sense, as the only coach he may give one more year for not named Tomlin, would probably be McCarthy.
Smiley N. Pool / Dallas Morning News
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hugs his old Head Coach Mike McCarthy after their team won a big professional football contest.
While the Steelers welcoming Rodgers back for another year could hinder the opportunity to find the franchise's future at the position, that individual could be Howard, who would benefit from another year learning from Rodgers. If not, the important search could get delayed a year, per Kaboly.
"Everything points toward Rodgers returning for yet another final season, which really has no downside other than he’s not going to be with the Steelers in 2027, pushing back the process of hiding the next long-time starter," Kaboly wrote.
The 2026 NFL Draft Class is not expected to be stout as of now anyways, so this might not be the worst thing in the world for Pittsburgh. It is possible, however, that Rudolph gets the boot so that Howard can efficiently operate as Rodgers' backup.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (8) and Will Howard (18) stand on the field as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Are Remaining In Win-Now Mode With A Rodgers Return
It's been made pretty clear that Pittsburgh is not in any kind of rebuilding scenario. Rodgers coming back to play in the Steel City for 2026 would only emphasize that. If it occurs, fans can expect the team to be very aggressive in free agency. A 42-year-old is not giving it one more go-around to finish in third place in the AFC North. He'd be doing it because he sees an opportunity to win.
Do you think that the Steelers should bring Rodgers back in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation