Rodgers has previously said he was “pretty sure” his first season in Pittsburgh would be his last in the NFL. After Mike Tomlin stepped down after the Steelers cut the wild card, it looked increasingly likely that Rodgers had played his last NFL down.
But Pittsburgh’s hiring of McCarthy has clearly changed things.
After being officially introduced as the Steelers’ coach, McCarthy said he was “definitely” open to the idea of Rodgers being his QB1 in 2026. The pair, of course, spent plenty of time in Green Bay, where Rodgers was developed into a four-time MVP and Super Bowl-winning QB in 2011 with McCarthy as coach.
Rodgers had some great moments in 2025, throwing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns (seven interceptions) in the process of leading the Steelers to the AFC North title. However, the run ended in disaster after a loss to Texas at home in the Wild Card round, and Rodgers certainly looked his age in the six-point effort.
Pelissero added Sunday that Rodgers will take his time in deciding whether to play in 2026, and everyone hopes it comes before free agency begins in mid-March.
For now, the door is open for Rodgers to make a comeback in Pittsburgh.
“If he’s going to come back, they’re going to have to make a deal,” Pelissero said. “But at this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rogers was back in Pittsburgh.”