The Pittsburgh Steelers are having a super exciting 2026 offseason. They have revamped the entire coaching staff, which came as a surprise. They have only one free agent who should be a priority: Kenneth Gainwell. But there is one position on the Steelers that certainly brings skepticism. The Steelers could very well not have a quarterback going into the 2026 season. The team wants to bring back Aaron Rodgers to try to run it back one more time. Rodgers would be reuniting with his long-time head coach with the Green Bay Packers, Mike McCarthy. However, there's one team that could stand in the Steelers' way.
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Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and Quarterback Aaron Rodgers go over plays in an NFL game in their time in Green Bay.
The Minnesota Vikings are in search of a quarterback after what they've seen from former first-round pick JJ McCarthy. There are reports that the Vikings are interested in Cincinnati Bengals superstar Joe Burrow. This would be great news for the Steelers if a deal were made, but if the Vikings can't land Burrow, Rodgers could very well be their next target. Rodgers was apparently interested in the Vikings in 2025.
He came to the Steelers to play for beloved coach Mike Tomlin, but now that Tomlin's gone, Rodgers could look to play elsewhere. Dianna Russini of The Athletic wrote an article about current news around the NFL. She mentioned what Minnesota could look to do if a Burrow trade is not possible.
"Minnesota may not be able to land Burrow, but the Vikings will be looking to bring on a veteran quarterback after a disappointing 2025 offseason at the position."
That interest could very well still be there for Rodgers. The Vikings are a very attractive destination for quarterbacks. The head coach, Kevin O'Connell, is an offensive mastermind. They also have a solid offensive line and a great receiving duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Additionally Rodgers' former running back, Aaron Jones is there. This is like a match made in heaven for Rodgers.
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Vikings' Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson during an away game in Detroit.
Rodgers will be 43 next season and hasn't confirmed whether he will play football again. The Steelers have already given Rodgers an ultimatum; they want an answer by free agency. If Rodgers decides to take more time, the Vikings would have to wait as well. The Vikings will be more desperate than the Steelers, who just revamped their coaching staff. They are currently in no rush to bring back the old veteran, even though he would be welcomed back.
Rodgers showed flashes of his vintage self with the Steelers, but he also showed that he is 42. The Steelers ought to move on and leave the past in the past. It may be good to try some new, fresh legs; whether that is Malik Willis, Will Howard, or a rookie in the 2026 NFL Draft. A team like the Vikings may be just a quarterback like Rodgers away, but the Steelers are not.
Steelers' And Rodgers' Reunion Could Still Be On The Table
Rodgers and McCarthy had a rocky relationship in Green Bay, and it was part of why McCarthy was cast out. However, time may have fixed whatever problems there were. McCarthy has also brought in coaches who have been with or played with Rodgers. The Steelers' coaching hires suggest that they really want Rodgers back, and the veteran even has the locker rooms' approval. If Rodgers decides he doesn't want to go to the Vikings, this will be why; familiarity with the team and coaching staff.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers will prioritize offense in this year's draft. A first-round receiver seems inevitable for the Steelers. If Rodgers comes back, he will have weapons to work with, unlike the 2025 campaign. With the offensive line improving over the last two seasons, bringing back Rodgers may not be the worst thing.
What do you think? Will Rodgers go to the Vikings? Will he return to the Steelers? Will Rodgers even play football in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!
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