The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly interested in bringing back quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the 2026 season, despite the veteran signal-caller’s previous statements about retirement. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the organization would welcome the four-time NFL MVP back with open arms.
Front Office Bullish on Rodgers’ Return
“If you ask people with the team whether they’d entertain the notion of Rodgers in the black-and-gold in 2026, the answer would be a resounding yes,” Fowler reported. The reasoning is straightforward: Rodgers continues to demonstrate elite arm talent at the age of 41.
Through six games this season, Rodgers has compiled impressive numbers that tell the story of a quarterback still operating at a high level. He’s completed 118 of 172 pass attempts for a 68.6% completion percentage, throwing for 1,270 yards with 14 touchdowns against five interceptions. His 105.0 passer rating ranks among the top quarterbacks in the league.
The touchdown production has been particularly noteworthy. Rodgers sits on pace to shatter the franchise’s single-season touchdown pass record, currently held by Ben Roethlisberger’s 34 touchdowns in 2018. At his current rate, Rodgers would finish with approximately 37-38 touchdown passes.
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Struggles Since Big Ben
The organization’s interest in retaining Rodgers makes sense when examining their quarterback carousel since Roethlisberger’s retirement following the 2021 season. The team invested significant draft capital in Kenny Pickett, selecting him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The experiment was a complete failure. In his rookie season in 2022, Pickett only managed 12 touchdown passes in 13 games. In 2023, he scored 13 touchdowns in 12 games during his sophomore season, indicating little progress. Given that Rodgers has already eclipsed both of Pickett’s yearly totals in just six games, the sharp disparity becomes clear.
The 2024 season brought Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but neither quarterback provided the consistent production the franchise craved. Fields had flashes but lacked the consistency needed for playoff success, and Wilson, a former Super Bowl champion, battled to regain his best form.
Rodgers Still Showcasing Elite Arm Strength
Recent performances have reinforced the Pittsburgh Steelers’ confidence in Rodgers’ continued abilities. During last Thursday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the veteran quarterback nearly pulled off a miraculous Hail Mary attempt. According to Next Gen Stats, the incomplete pass traveled 69.8 yards through the air – the longest recorded pass attempt since tracking began in 2017.
That same game featured a 68-yard touchdown strike to Pat Freiermuth, demonstrating Rodgers still possesses the arm strength and accuracy that made him one of the game’s premier quarterbacks during his Green Bay Packers tenure.
Draft Plans Continue Despite Rodgers’ Interest
While the Pittsburgh Steelers remain open to retaining Rodgers, Fowler notes they will continue scouting college quarterbacks for long-term planning. Pursuing instant success with a seasoned veteran while also preparing for the future through the draft is a smart strategic move.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ desire to extend Rodgers’ contract reflects both their ongoing need for consistency at the position and his sustained on-field success. The ultimate question facing both parties is whether Rodgers decides to change his mind about retiring.
