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Report: Aaron Rodgers ‘Likely’ to Return to Steelers in 2026

The 42-year-old is planning a return to Pittsburgh.
It sounds like Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Steelers.
It sounds like Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Steelers. | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

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It sounds like Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Steelers in 2026.

Following news from 93.7 The Fan on Thursday morning that the 42-year-old is set to be in Pittsburgh this weekend, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Rodgers is “likely” to play for the Steelers in 2026.

“A deal is not done and there is always caution until things are signed,” the insider added. “But Rodgers’ plan is to play for PIT & these are the steps toward that end.”

Pittsburgh placed the right of first refusal tender on Rodgers last week, which essentially put a $15 million salary placeholder on the signal caller while allowing them to match any offer sheet that he would have signed. Instead, Rodgers is expected to visit the organization this weekend with the intent of working out a new deal.

Should said deal be finalized, Rodgers—who turns 43 in December—will reunite with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy. The two spent 13 seasons together with the Packers from 2006 to ’18, a run that saw Green Bay post a 100-57-1 regular-season record in games Rodgers started as well as a victory in Super Bowl XLV to cap the ’10 season. The two have reportedly stayed in touch “every couple of days,” throughout the offseason, and will now set to rekindle their working relationship in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers’ quarterback room currently consists of rookie Drew Allar, who they selected with their third-round pick (No. 76) in the 2026 draft, and veterans Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Rodgers will now slide in as QB1 as Pittsburgh looks to return to the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season.


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Mike Kadlick
MIKE KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in November 2024, he covered the New England Patriots for WEEI sports radio in Boston and continues to do so for CLNS Media. He has a master's in public relations from Boston University. Kadlick is also an avid runner and a proud lover of all things pizza.

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