The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a familiar spot during the 2026 offseason as the organization is patiently waiting for a decision from Aaron Rodgers on whether or not he wants to continue his playing career, and whether or not he wants that to happen in Pittsburgh. This is the same song and dance that the two sides went through during the 2025 offseason, and it seems like things are going the exact same way in 2026. Pittsburgh fans were hoping his decision wouldn't take as long this time around, but it seems like it will despite the fact that the organization has said it wants a decision prior to the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws downfield during Pittsburgh's 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL Regular Season.
Rodgers played fairly well for the Steelers in 2025, and he helped lead the team to its first division title since the 2020 season. The 2025 season ended the same way that every season has of late, with an embarrassing playoff loss, but it would still make sense to bring Rodgers back. He is probably the team's best option at quarterback as of right now, despite his lack of mobility. One of the players who lined up alongside Rodgers in 2025 was running back Jaylen Warren, and he went on Good Morning Football on Friday where he was asked about the quarterback returning, or deciding not to return.
"You know, I'm not really expecting anything," Warren said. "Whatever happens, happens. I'm rocking with whoever's at the quarterback position. But if he comes back, great. If he doesn't, then we'll miss him."
His answers almost seemed like he didn't care about whether or not the quarterback would return in 2026, and that is probably just because this was a media-trained, cliche answer to a question like he was asked. However, it is easy to understand why players might be fed up with the quarterback's antics up until this point. Other players' careers are at stake when it comes to who is going to be playing quarterback, and some clarity on that would be great for all parties involved.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hands the ball to running back Jaylen Warren during Pittsburgh's 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL Regular Season.
Rodgers spoke very highly of the running backs in Pittsburgh throughout the 2025 season. He loved Warren's ability to make plays and protect in passing situations, and the veteran quarterback constantly spoke about how Kenneth Gainwell was underpaid. Gainwell wound up getting a decent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which means one of Rodgers' favorites will not be returning to Pittsburgh.
One of the main reasons that Rodgers came to Pittsburgh was to play for Mike Tomlin. When the coach stepped down after Pittsburgh was eliminated, it was assumed that Rodgers would probably retire. That doesn't seem to be the case as he could now reunite with the head coach that he won a Super Bowl with in Mike McCarthy. That could be an enticing factor for the four-time league MVP to consider.
Steelers Ready For Any Quarterback To Get Under Center
Warren has had no consistency throughout his career when it comes to the quarterback position. The Steelers have had a different Week 1 starter in five consecutive seasons, so this is the norm for a player like Warren who has been in Pittsburgh for four years. He is ready for anyone to get under center and take snaps, and that could be someone like second-year quarterback Will Howard.
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Steelers QBs Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard talk to a ref before a home game in Pittsburgh.
He seems to be Plan B for Pittsburgh if Rodgers decides to retire or sign elsewhere, which is a scenario a lot of fans are rooting for. That would obviously be risky, but it would probably be for the best when it comes to the future of the organization.
What do you think about Warren's comments on the situation with Rodgers? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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