The Pittsburgh Steelers' new regime is slowly starting to come together under new head coach, Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh's first new coach in nearly 20 years. There has been a strong connection made to the previous time spent between McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the earlier years of their careers with the Green Bay Packers. This connection immediately started the rumors that the Steelers will bring back the 42-year-old veteran signal-caller for the 2026 season. While fans seem to be split on the idea of a reunion or to move on and try to find a younger franchise quarterback, Pittsburgh is apparently still confident in Rodgers' ability.
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Former Green Back Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers game plan on the sideline during an NFL game in 2017.
On Monday's The PM Team show on sports radio 93.7 the Fan in Pittsburgh, host Andrew Fillipponi mentioned that he received an inside scoop that the Steelers have high confidence in Rodgers' ability to still play in the league. In fact, Fillipponi mentioned that the Steelers feel that Rodgers is still a top-15 quarterback in the NFL. This belief will not have much weight on a possible reunion, but it shows that Pittsburgh is not necessarily sold on looking ahead to finding their quarterback of the future just yet.
"This is a comment I got from somebody, uh, inside the Steelers who said to me, 'Aaron Rodgers, whether we like it or not, is still definitely a top-15 quarterback,'" Fillipponi said. "Top 15 was what I heard."
McCarthy did have some high praise for second-year quarterback Will Howard, who did not see the field in his rookie season mostly due to Rogers being the starter in Pittsburgh, but also dealt with an injury much of the year. While it was reported that wide receiver Roman Wilson is frustrated by a potential Rodgers return, the Steelers seem to still have high belief in the long-time NFL veteran.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers' 2025 season saw his production dip compared to 2024 with the New York Jets. In 2024, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The 2025 season was a bit different, as Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. While the touchdowns were not far off, the yards definitely ticked down for Rodgers. However, the Steelers still seem to carry big faith in Rodgers' ability according to Fillipponi -- especially coming off a 2025 AFC North division title with Rodgers at the helm.
Steelers Must Quickly Add Around Rodgers If Return Happens
The Steelers' drop off in offense was in large part due to their lack of a reliable second wide receiver to complement DK Metcalf in his first NFL season with the team. In fact, Metcalf's first year in the Steel City saw his lowest career total in yards, at just 850. Metcalf's dip in production, albeit partially due to a two-game suspension to end the season, is definitely not the best version of Metcalf the NFL has seen. Metcalf has had three seasons in his NFL career in which he has posted 1,000 yards receiving or more.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf celebrate during a game in 2025 NFL season.
It is well-known the Steelers felt a void at wide receiver with the trade of wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. This is a leading reason as to why Pittsburgh has been linked to several different free agent wide receivers, as well as being mentioned as a team that very well may draft a highly touted pass-catcher when Pittsburgh hosts the NFL Draft in April of 2026. Should Rodgers return to Pittsburgh and be the top-15 quarterback the Steelers believe he still is, they will need to get some help around him and Metcalf ahead of the 2026 regular season.
Do you agree with the report that Rodgers is a top-15 NFL quarterback? Let us know in the comments below!
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