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NFL reporter Andrew Siciliano questioned whether the Pittsburgh Steelers really want quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return for the 2026 NFL season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have not yet signed future first-ballot Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers to a new deal. With this situation continuing to drag on and on, could the four-time MVP have a desire to play elsewhere? Could elsewhere end up being the Arizona Cardinals?
As it turns out, that rumor appears to be quite untrue. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, who recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, he believes there is no truth to the rumor that Rodgers could end up wanting to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.
GettyAaron Rodgers posted a passer rating of 94.8 with the Steelers last season.
Here is what Rapoport had to say on the Pat McAfee Show about the rumor of Rodgers possibly being linked to the Cardinals:
“No legs for that (rumor)…I do not expect him to sign in Arizona. I expect him, if he is going to play, to play for Pittsburgh.”
This makes complete sense. Why would Rodgers want to leave a winning organization and an experienced roster in the Steel City for a struggling and rebuilding one in the desert? Not to mention the fact that the Steelers hired his former head coach, Mike McCarthy. Rodgers played for McCarthy for 13 years in Green Bay and was the starter for 11 of those years (2008-2018). Not only did he win two MVPs and earn seven Pro Bowl nods under McCarthy’s leadership, but the team ended up making eight consecutive postseason appearances and also won Super Bowl XLV.
Not only do Rodgers and McCarthy go way back, but the Steelers have a roster that is ready to win right now. After the team acquired two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle, and Super Bowl-winning cornerback Jamel Dean earlier this offseason, the roster is stronger than it was a season ago. With future Hall of Fame defenders Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt still around, this team is ready to contend.
GettyAaron Rodgers helped mentor rookie quarterback Will Howard last season.
Rodgers should be praised for his efforts in 2025. He ended up recording 25 total touchdowns and just seven interceptions despite battling age and a fractured wrist. While he wasn’t necessarily his 2011 self, he took care of the football and was extremely smart situationally. His numbers might not have been extremely prolific, but his value was evident. The Steelers likely don’t win their first AFC North title in five years without him being him.
Not only was he solid on the field, but he was a great teacher for younger players like rookie signal-caller Will Howard. If he returns this season, he will have the chance to continue mentoring Howard while also mentoring third-round rookie Drew Allar. After having taught Packers quarterback Jordan Love how to play the game the right way, he now has the chance to mentor two of the league’s future starters at the position.
Tim Lindsey A Chicago-area native, Tim Lindsey has covered the world of sports through a variety of different lenses. More specifically, he has been an NFL writer for sites such as Sports Illustrated and PFSN. Notable teams like the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers have been a major point of emphasis for the longtime writer in the past. More about Tim Lindsey
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