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After all, Aaron Rodgers didn’t make it back to Pittsburgh.
After reports surfaced Friday that Rodgers was expected to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in preparation for a return to the team he played for last year, many were hopeful the months-long wait was over.
But during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN this Monday, Adam Schefter said neither the Steelers nor his agent were aware that such a meeting was on the schedule.
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Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands during the national anthem before an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 4, 2026. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
But then there were the reports on where in the world Rodgers is, with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporting he was in the Steel City even though he wasn’t scheduled to visit the team. A report from 93.7 The Fan added, saying he was in town to play golf.
Either way, the decision remains on whether Rodgers will suit up for the Steelers, but the big franchise gave itself some insurance if the four-time MVP quarterback decides he wants to potentially play somewhere else.
STEELERS’ OWNERSHIP HOPE FOR CLARITY ON AARON RODGERS’ FUTURE ‘IN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO’
The Steelers used an unrestricted offer on Rodgers last month, giving Pittsburgh the right to match any offer Rodgers might receive from another team.
Despite doubts from some camps about Rodgers’ potential return, Schefter noted that he believes he will be on the Steelers’ depth chart come training camp. The Steelers have their OTAs scheduled to begin next Monday.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 4, 2026. (GETTY)
With Rodgers at the helm this past season, the Steelers went 10-7, even clinching a playoff berth after Baltimore Ravens rookie Tyler Loop’s now-infamous game-winning field goal went through the uprights. The Steelers ended up losing to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round, extending the team’s playoff winless streak to eight straight seasons, including three consecutive campaigns.
Rodgers, who is slated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he decides to retire, threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns to seven interceptions in 16 games for Pittsburgh in 2025.
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The Steelers also revamped their team for this season as Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ old head coach with the Green Bay Packers, takes over for Mike Tomlin, whose generational run in Pittsburgh ended after 19 seasons (2007-25). While DK Metcalf and Rodgers built chemistry this past season, the Steelers also added veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in a deal with the Indianapolis Colts while adding Alabama’s Germie Bernard in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on after being sacked in the first half of the NFL Wild Card game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 12, 2026. (Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur deflects Aaron Rodgers speculation, saying the team is focused on current quarterbacks
And while Kenneth Gainwell is gone after a solid performance with Pittsburgh, Rico Dowdle comes into the fold to work with Jaylen Warren at running back.
Still, the biggest question in football remains: will Rodgers be a part of these new Steelers in 2026?
