.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
It has been months since the Pittsburgh Steelers last played an NFL game, and yet we still don't know if Aaron Rodgers will return in 2026.
There were rumors that the Steelers would know before the NFL Draft, but that didn't come to fruition, and now we're hearing that a decision could be coming soon.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Rodgers is set to visit the Steelers' facility this weekend, and stated that Aaron "will likely play" for Pittsburgh this upcoming season.
So that is a positive development for fans, as it finally clarifies what might be happening at the quarterback position.
MORE: Chiefs' Travis Kelce helped franchise in free agency in best way possible
Is Rodgers return right Steelers move?
Depending on how you view it, the move of Rodgers potentially returning could be a good thing, from the simple viewpoint of the floor Aaron gives Pittsburgh.
You could make the case that with Rodgers, the Steelers, could win seven or eight games, but that would once again leave them in the middle of the pack in the draft order. So, no potential franchise quarterback in 2027, unless they trade up to get one.
On the other hand, if Rodgers didn't return, and it was Will Howard or Mason Rudolph who starts, Pittsburgh's floor is considerably lower, and if a 4-13 season happens, it would put Pittsburgh in the position to potentially draft a quarterback high in the draft.
So, there are pros and cons to the move, and the long-term implications of a Rodgers return are well known.
Is it the right move to have Rodgers as the starter in 2026? That's in the eye of the beholder.
English (US)