Mike McCarthy Hire Could Open Door For Aaron Rodgers’ Return To Steelers

When Steelers HC Mike Tomlin resigned after this past season, the expectation was that it would also mean QB Aaron Rodgers wouldn’t return, as a big reason he joined Pittsburgh this past season was to play for Tomlin. 

However, the Steelers’ hire of HC Mike McCarthy changes the equation a little bit. Ian Rapoport says the hiring opens the door for a return, as Rodgers and McCarthy are in a better spot than when he left Green Bay. 

Still, it’s far from a lock that Rodgers returns. Mark Maske says the McCarthy hiring doesn’t automatically mean Rodgers will return for another season with the Steelers in 2026, as a source says that’s a separate decision. 

Rumblings for most of the end of the season have been that this season will likely be Rodgers’ last. The Steelers would reportedly welcome Rodgers back should he decide to play another year, but the tone surrounding the veteran recently suggests this could be the end. 

It’s worth noting that ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters said Rodgers told the production crew he’s probably retiring back in Week 15 on Monday Night Football. 

Rodgers, 42, is a former first-round pick of the Packers back in 2005. He agreed to a four-year, $134 million extension that included over $100 million guaranteed in 2018

Rodgers was owed a base salary of $25 million in the final year of his deal in 2022 when he agreed to a three-year, $150 million extension with $101 million of the deal guaranteed.

After one year, the Packers traded him to the Jets for a package that included a second-round pick in 2023 and a conditional 2024 second that could become a first. 

He played just four snaps in 2023 before tearing his Achilles in Week 1, but returned as the Jets’ quarterback for the 2024 season. New York released him with a June 1 designation after the season. 

He then went on to sign a one-year deal with the Steelers. 

In 2025, Rodgers appeared in 16 games for the Steelers and completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

We’ll have more on Rodgers and the Steelers as the news is available.