The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing quarterback Aaron Rodgers back for his second season as the starting signal-caller for the franchise, and he has already made it clear that he plans to retire after the 2026 season comes to a close. He is reuniting with his former head coach Mike McCarthy, and the duo will look to recapture some of that magic that they found together during their time together with the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy was Rodgers' coach for the majority of his early career, and now the two are back for the final season of the legendary quarterback's Hall of Fame-caliber career.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers' first season in Pittsburgh went okay. He played well for the Steelers and the team won the AFC North, but there was still no luck when it came to advancing in the playoffs. The coaching staff is now very different as nearly the entire group was overhauled, and the roster is better than it was at this time in 2025. There is reason to believe the Steelers can be better in 2026, although the schedule is going to be a bit harder.
Rodgers and McCarthy are not the only Green Bay reunion that is taking place in 2026. The franchise also signed tight end Robert Tonyan, who played for McCarthy with the Packers and caught passes from Rodgers during two of his MVP seasons. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo joined 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday, and he discussed the veteran tight end's chances of making the final roster.
"Yeah, I think they're very strong at one and two, but I definitely think there should be a competition for number three," Fittipaldo said. "Just go back and look at Aaron's history and how he's wanted to play with guys who have played with him before. Guys he can trust, guys who have produced for him. That's important to Aaron Rodgers. So yeah, I do think if he can prove at age 32, if he can recapture some of what he did a few years ago, then yeah, he'll definitely have a shot to have a small role on this football team."
Fittipaldo was essentially asked if Tonyan is being brought in just to be a camp body, and the insider seems to believe he has a legitimate chance to win the third tight end spot. This would put him behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
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Steelers' Robert Tonyan (right) on the field for warmups with Travis Kelce (left) during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025.
Fittipaldo noted that Rodgers likes to have guys around that he has significant experience with, and Tonyan fits that mold. This has been evident for Rodgers ever since he left the Packers. When he was with the New York Jets, the franchise brought in guys like Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, as well as Davante Adams. In 2025, the Steelers signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the second half of the season.
This should give Tonyan an advantage over some of the guys he might be battling with to make the roster. Freiermuth and Washington have their spots secured, while Riley Nowakowski is also safe as a fullback/h-back/tight end. Jaheim Bell and JJ Galbreath are the top two players that will also be fighting for that third spot at tight end.
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Steelers' Robert Tonyan during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs during a road game in 2025.
Steelers' Robert Tonyan Will Look To Recapture Some Momentum With Aaron Rodgers
Tonyan was a big part of Rodgers' MVP seasons in 2020 and 2021. The tight end tied Travis Kelce for the league lead in touchdown receptions with 11 while recording over 580 receiving yards. He was snubbed from the Pro Bowl, but it was clear he should have been given the nod. He is now 32 years old and he will not produce like he did back then, but a few plays throughout the season that look like 2020 would be nice.
What do you think about Tonyan's chances to make the team? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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