NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin got his feet wet in the NFL media and made a bold prediction about Aaron Rodgers’ future in the league.
Rodgers remains a free agent as he considers whether to walk away from a 21-year career. The Steelers may be the most attractive destination for the four-time NFL MVP, as the team hired Mike McCarthy to replace Tomlin following the latter’s abrupt decision to resign.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to complete a pass during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Oct. 12, 2025. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
Tomlin joined NBC Sports as an analyst for the 2026 season and said in his debut that he thought Rodgers would end up back in Pittsburgh.
“I think just being around him for the 12 months that I’m around him, he had a love affair with the game of football,” he said, via Pro Football Talk . “And not just the game, but the process. The casual moments, the development of younger guys, the interaction with teammates.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sideline before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 12, 2026. (Barry Reeger/Imagn Images)
“I think he has an addiction to it. And there’s only one way to feed it and certainly he’s still capable and in really good shape and so I think ultimately he’ll play football.”
Rodgers would likely go back on the roster as the Week 1 starter, barring an injury. The team has only Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the depth chart and selected Drew Allar in the draft.
He played in 16 games for the Steelers in 2025, helping the team to an AFC North victory and a playoff berth. He had 3,322 passing yards and 24 touchdown passes. However, those are some of his lowest totals when playing at least 15 games in a season.
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)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Rodgers turns 43 at the end of the year. He has not said one way or the other if he will return.
