Mike McCarthy makes admission on Aaron Rodgers return as Steelers teammate reveals QB’s retirement plan
Week 3 of free agency is fast approaching, and the Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t have their starting quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers is expected to return for a second season in black and gold, but the veteran is yet to confirm any decision.
He kept the Steelers waiting last year, and with the NFL Draft on the horizon in 2026, appears to be doing so again.
There are signs, though, that the four-time MVP is leaning towards a comeback.
Rodgers was spotted alongside Pittsburgh’s young backup, Will Howard, at his flag football charity event over the weekend.
A public appearance from the pair suggests a strong off-field bond — one that the Steelers will hope to see grow in the coming year too.
New head coach Mike McCarthy, who has replaced Mike Tomlin after 19 seasons, has also dropped a fresh hint on Rodgers’ return.
Aaron Rodgers reunion would be ‘great story’ for Steelers HC
McCarthy, of course, knows the veteran very well.
The pair worked together closely for 13 years on the Green Bay Packers, where the HC-QB duo won Super Bowl XLV together.
Rodgers also won two of his four MVP awards under McCarthy.
On Monday, Pittsburgh’s new coach was asked about a possible reunion when he appeared at a tribute to late Packers president Bob Harlan at Lambeau Field.
“Yes, it’d be a great story,” McCarthy told Bob’s son, CBS announcer Kevin Harlan, in a video shared by Rob Demovsky of ESPN.
“I don’t know. I would love to tell everybody breaking news.
“It’s really cool to see Aaron at 42, a young man at 22, all that he’s been able to accomplish, and where he’s at in his personal life, trying to make this decision.
“He’s in a really good place.”
McCarthy can’t yet provide the ‘breaking news’ that many Steelers fans are waiting for, but his desire for a reunion with Rodgers is another positive sign.
He isn’t the only one with high hopes.
Earlier this month, Michael Pittman Jr. arrived to boost Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room.
New Steelers star expects Aaron Rodgers to return in 2026
He was secured in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, and has agreed a three-year, $59 million contract extension with the franchise.
Pittman, who recorded his best career season in 2023 with 109 receptions for 1,152 yards, is regarded as a wideout who excels on short routes.
He would be a dangerous weapon for any quarterback and team, but the man himself hopes it will be Rodgers throwing him the ball in 2026.
While he admitted he’s been giving the veteran ‘space’ to decide his future, Pittman is excited about the idea of sharing the field with him.
“I haven’t talked to Aaron,” he said, when questioned by Kay Adams about Rodgers’ return.
“I’m trying to give him space because Aaron’s a guy — he likes his space.
“He likes to get refreshed. I didn’t want to just get signed and then blow him up and be like, ‘Hey, Aaron, what’s the deal?’
“Just give him time. Him and his wife, they gotta handle some things, and then he will decide if he wants to come back or not.
“But the fact that he’s still out doing flag football stuff and all that, I think that he wants to play. Just knowing Aaron prior to this, I just think that he’s gonna try to play as long as he can.
“He’s a beast.”
The hope for many within the Steelers organization is that Rodgers activates ‘beast mode’ one more time in 2026, and leads the team on a playoff run.
But for that to happen, he first has to commit for the year, and the sooner he does, the better.
Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
