Aaron Rodgers has made his presence felt in Pittsburgh - and fast. On a one-year deal with the Steelers, the future Hall of Famer has helped guide the team to the top of the AFC North.
Not bad for a quarterback in his 21st NFL season. But as the regular season inches toward its final stretch, the question hanging over the Steel City is a big one: what’s next for No.
8?
Retirement? A return to Pittsburgh? A new team - again?
All options remain on the table, but there’s growing belief that if Rodgers does decide to lace them up for a 22nd season, sticking with the Steelers might make the most sense - for both sides.
Here’s why.
Pittsburgh Makes Sense - For Rodgers and the Steelers
Rodgers has already played for three teams in his career, and if he returns in 2026, he’ll be doing so at age 42. That’s not exactly the stage of a career where most quarterbacks are looking to start over - new system, new locker room, new everything.
At this point, continuity matters. And in Pittsburgh, Rodgers has found a situation that works.
The Steelers don’t have a clear-cut successor waiting in the wings. There’s no first-round pick grooming behind the scenes, no young QB pushing for a starting job.
If Rodgers comes back, he’s the guy - no question. That kind of clarity is hard to find in today’s NFL, especially for aging quarterbacks who often get viewed as short-term stopgaps.
And from the team’s perspective, it’s a no-brainer. With another winning season under Mike Tomlin - because of course they did - Pittsburgh has likely played itself out of range for one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft. That limits their options, and unless they want to roll the dice on a developmental project or overpay in free agency, Rodgers is their best bet to stay competitive in 2026.
What About the Vikings?
There was some offseason chatter about Rodgers and Minnesota - a move that would’ve sent shivers down the spines of Packers fans everywhere - but that scenario feels far less likely now. The Vikings are still evaluating what they have in rookie J.J.
McCarthy, and bringing in a 42-year-old quarterback as a bridge doesn’t quite align with the timeline of a team trying to develop a young passer. It’s hard to see how that move benefits either side.
Rodgers Isn’t Prime Rodgers - But He’s Still Effective
Let’s be clear: Rodgers isn’t the same quarterback who won back-to-back MVPs in Green Bay. The arm strength isn’t quite what it used to be, and the mobility has taken a step back. But he’s been steady in Pittsburgh - reliable, composed, and still capable of making the kind of throws that win games in crunch time.
And if the Steelers can make any noise in the postseason - even just one playoff win - that only strengthens the case for a Rodgers return. In a league where quarterback play is everything, having a veteran who knows how to operate in big moments is a luxury.
Pittsburgh knows that. Rodgers knows that.
The Bottom Line
If Aaron Rodgers wants to keep playing, Pittsburgh offers the clearest path forward. No quarterback controversy.
No rebuilding timeline. Just a team with a winning culture, a coach who knows how to manage veteran talent, and a fanbase that’s already bought in.
Rodgers has nothing left to prove, but if he’s still got the fire - and the arm - to go one more round, the Steelers might be the perfect place to do it.