The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of one of the most covered offseason sagas, as the organization is waiting on a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers on what he plans to do with his future. The quarterback has been pondering retirement for a few seasons now, and it is firmly on the table once again. However, there seems to be a strong chance that he will be back in the black and gold for the 2026 season. He has not signed yet, and has barely spoken publicly about the situation aside from one appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, so it is still unclear what he plans to do.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers hands the ball off to Jaylen Warren during a road game against the Patriots in 2025.
No one truly knows what is going on with Rodgers as the veteran quarterback keeps his circle tight. Only the quarterback and the organization know what is truly going to happen as some believe there has already been a handshake agreement between the two sides. He signed right before mandatory minicamp during the 2025 offseason, and that could happen again. That begins right at the beginning of June, which will be a time to watch for a potential signing. Kyle Van Noy, an outside linebacker who played for the Baltimore Ravens over the last three seasons, joined Up & Adams With Kay Adams on Tuesday and he was asked about the quarterback.
"I think he should just ride off into the sunset," Van Noy said. "He's such a successful player. He has nothing left to prove. I know he's a competitor and probably wants to win a Super Bowl, but over the years, you can tell, I don't know him personally, so I can't say, and I've competed with him, I don't know if he has the same love for the game. He might, I don't know him like that. He still looks like he has it. But comparing him to what he was like when he was with the Packers versus since I've played him now, there's a little difference. He talks to more guys on defense. It looks like he's having fun, it's just that when you used to play him, he had this f*ck you mentality. He's smiling at guys a little bit more."
Van Noy entered the league back in 2013 when he was drafted by the Detroit Lions, and he played in the same division as Rodgers for three seasons. He is pretty familiar with playing against the future Hall of Famer, especially after playing him twice during the 2025 season. He doesn't know if the quarterback has the same love for the game that he used to.
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Steelers' Aaron Rodgers runs with the football during the regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
Rodgers took down Van Noy and the Ravens twice during the 2025 season en route to winning the AFC North. However, the veteran defender doesn't know if Rodgers plays the same way that he used to. Obviously, his physical skills have declined with age, but Van Noy believes he now approaches the game differently from a mental standpoint as well. The veteran wants to see Rodgers hang up the cleats and ride off into the sunset, which is how a lot of fans in Pittsburgh feel as well.
Van Noy is also nearing the end of his career and is currently a free agent, just like Rodgers.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Still Need Aaron Rodgers
Despite probably being the oldest starting quarterback in the NFL, the Steelers still need Rodgers. He is the organization's best option when it comes to a starting quarterback for the 2026 season, and he would also be great to have in the building with two young, developmental quarterbacks on the roster. Pittsburgh would have a much better outlook on the season if Rodgers were to sign, and the fans should get an answer on that within the next month or so.
What do you think of these comments from Van Noy? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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