Aaron Rodgers career update from NFL Network is great news for Steelers

With the Mike Tomlin situation out of the way, the biggest offseason question mark the Pittsburgh Steelers have is Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers has yet to make an official decision on if he will play or retire in 2026. We also don't know for sure if Rodgers will return to the Steelers if he does decide to play.

But it appears Rodgers is moving in the direction of returning to Pittsburgh.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Rodgers has yet to tell the Steelers what he plans on doing, but the "odds are increasing" that Rodgers will stay in Pittsburgh for another season.

"My understanding is, the odds are increasing," Pelissero said of Rodgers' return to the Steelers. "I am told Rodgers has spoken several times with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy."

"The plan is for Rodgers to take a little bit more time and everyone hopes comes to a decision prior to the start of free agency in mid-March," Pelissero added. "At this point, it would not be a surprise if Rodgers is back in Pittsburgh."

This is good news for the Steelers, who don't have a viable starting option on their roster if Rodgers doesn't come back. Having the veteran return will bridge the gap to 2027, when the quarterback class in the draft will be much stronger.

While the Steelers have said the hire of McCarthy has nothing to do with trying to lure Rodgers back, there is no doubt that having a head coach he is familiar with helps Pittsburgh's cause.

Rodgers and McCarthy did have some issues at the end of their stint in Green Bay, but both have said that's water under the bridge at this point.

The timeline here is crucial.

The Steelers need Rodgers to make a decision before the start of free agency so the team knows if it has to target a quarterback on the open market or via trade.

We know Rodgers operates on his own timeline, but we would expect him not to prolong this process, which would put the Steelers in a tough situation.

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