There’s still hope for an Aaron Rodgers Steelers return.
Steelers beat reporter Mark Kaboly said this week that he expects the future Hall of Fame quarterback to be wearing yellow and black next season.
That is, if he plans to continue his NFL career.
“I think he will be their starting quarterback unless he comes to some kind of decision over the next month that he’s just done with football 100 percent,” Kaboly said during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, according to Steelers Depot. “This is him basically saying he’s coming back without him admitting he’s coming back. What I’ve heard a lot is they’re expecting him to come back. … They are under the impression that he still wants to play.
Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Getty Images
“What I’ve heard a lot is they’re expecting him to come back,” he continued. “They are under the impression that he still wants to play.”
Rodgers, 42, has been chatting with Mike McCarthy since he was hired by Pittsburgh to be the franchise’s next head coach last Saturday.
“I have spoken to Aaron Rodgers a number of times,” McCarthy said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday. “Like anybody that has played the game for a long time, it’s important to get away, so that’s a normal process. I think it’s important for all these players to decompress and step away after the season, and that’s really the mindset he’s in.
“That’s really about as far as our conversations have gone as if he’s coming back or not coming back.”
McCarthy said during his introductory press conference that he would welcome the four-time NFL MVP back for a 23rd season in the league.
“Definitely, I don’t see why you wouldn’t,” McCarthy said in response to a question asking if he would want Rodgers as his signal-caller in 2026.
Aaron Rodgers walks off the field following the Steelers’ game against the Texans on Jan. 12. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
Rodgers and McCarthy spent 11 seasons together in Green Bay, winning the 2011 Super Bowl.
Last season, Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 16 games.
After the Steelers were eliminated with a 30-6 loss to the Texans in the wild-card round, Rodgers declined to talk about retirement.
“I’m not going to make any emotional decisions,” Rodgers said. “At this point, obviously such a fun year. A lot of adversity, but a lot of fun. Been a great year overall in my life in the last year, and this is a really good part of that, coming here and being part of this team.
