Exclusive: Aaron Rodgers’ 2026 Future Hinges on Steelers or Retirement

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers has yet to declare for certain whether he intends to continue playing, but if he does return, and our sources anticipate him doing as much, expect the landscape to offer few suitors beyond a return to Pittsburgh.

Rodgers, who did not sign with the team until deep in the offseason a year ago, will have to come to terms with his future in a much more judicious manner in 2026, as the Steelers will not be inclined to wait until spring mini-camp for him as they did a year ago with Mike Tomlin still the head coach, with league sources indicating Rodgers will have to agree to any contract far earlier this year. 

New head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed a willingness to reunite with Rodgers, they were together in Green Bay, with a relationship that grew quite strained by the end, both publicly and in private consultation with ownership prior to taking over for Tomlin. 

But the team will be exploring other options as well, the sources said, and is open to finding a younger replacement for Rodgers, 42, if need be. 

If Not Pittsburgh, Then Where?

While it is quite early in the NFL offseason, conversations with decision makers with several quarterback-needy teams projected a bleak landscape for the free agent. 

Had Matthew Stafford opted to retire instead of return to the Rams, sources indicated there was at least some lukewarm support for Rodgers there. 

Of the teams with a need at quarterback, new Browns coach Todd Monken is keen on working with younger passers, according to sources familiar with his thinking, a return to the Jets is out of the question, the Raiders are drafting a quarterback. The Colts and Vikings have recent first-round picks under contract, though they are both expected to pursue veterans as well, but Pittsburgh would be the only option to basically guarantee a starting spot.

“it’s Pittsburgh or nowhere, that’s how I see it,” said one NFL general manager who will be active on the quarterback marker this offseason. 

“Minnesota considered it before, but they can’t afford to screw it up after letting (Sam) Darnold go… Rodgers has such an ego, man. I don’t think he’s willing to go there for a few million bucks to compete with (JJ) McCarthy. He’s not wired that way. He’s comfortable in Pittsburgh.”

One NFL head coach whose team was preparing for quarterback contingencies said: “He’ll end up back in Pittsburgh or he’ll hang it up. We don’t see him as a back-up option.”

An agent who has several clients who will be involved in the trade and free agent market in the coming weeks, has a similar sentiment: “If I was advising him, I’d tell him to take what he can get from the Steelers as soon as possible. Don’t try to drag this one, because the market isn’t there. It’s definitely early, and people aren’t really talking yet, but I know the guys who are making these decisions… I think it’s Pittsburgh or bust.”

Rodgers continues to be limited by poor mobility and declining skills, but is well versed in McCarthy’s offense and avoided causing distractions and off-field issues during his year in Pittsburgh, unlike in other recent stints.

If the Steelers ultimately decide against bringing Rodgers back, Malik Willis could emerge as a prime alternative. The Green Bay backup has attracted attention from several quarterback-needy teams, including Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Miami, with league sources drawing comparisons to the type of deal Justin Fields received early in his career. Among potential destinations, the Browns are considered Willis’ preferred landing spot, though the Steelers remain in the mix if they opt to move in a younger direction at the position.