Steelers make decision on Aaron Rodgers future amid retirement fears and Mike Tomlin uncertainty

If Aaron Rodgers chooses to stave off retirement for another year, the Pittsburgh Steelers are prepared to bring him back.

Rodgers agreed to a one-year deal worth $13.65 million with Pittsburgh last June, a move widely viewed at the time as a final stop before retirement.

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However, after guiding the Steelers to a 10–7 finish and an AFC North title, the possibility of a return has gained momentum. Although the 42-year-old has yet to make a decision about his future, Pittsburgh is reportedly eager to have him back for another season.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Steelers “would be more than open” for him to return for 2026, and Rodgers himself hasn’t exactly ruled out playing beyond this year either.

Rodgers told reporters on Dec. 31 that a decision on his future would come after the season.

“I’m 42, and I’m on a one-year deal. You know what the situation is,” Rodgers said.

“Whenever the season ends, I’ll be a free agent. That’ll give me a lot of options if I still want to play — not a lot of options, but … I would think maybe one or two if I decide I still want to play.”

For now, Rodgers and the Steelers are focused on Monday night’s Wild Card matchup against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, with the franchise seeking its first postseason victory since 2016.

It is Rodgers’ first return to the postseason since his final playoff run with Green Bay in 2022. The four-time league MVP has a 12-10 postseason record.

Questions around Mike Tomlin’s future with Steelers

While much of the focus has been on Rodgers, questions also surround the future of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh.

Questions surrounding Tomlin’s future have grown louder in recent weeks, though there is currently no concrete indication that he plans to leave Pittsburgh after 19 seasons.

Tomlin has long been viewed as deeply committed to the organization, but one source close to the veteran coach believes stepping away is at least being considered.

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The question of whether Tomlin might benefit from stepping away is one only he can answer, with the Steelers’ postseason performance likely to factor heavily into the outcome.

There are reports that Tomlin would also be more drawn to a television role than reentering the coaching carousel if he were to depart the Steelers.

However, another source with ties to Tomlin expressed confidence that he will remain in Pittsburgh.

For now, Tomlin and Rodgers have an opportunity to make a postseason run together, while the option of a broadcasting career would remain available should Tomlin ever decide to explore it.

After the split between John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens, no one should be considered safe.

While Tomlin has never posted a losing record in his nearly 20-year tenure in Pittsburgh, the team’s postseason struggles over the past decade have become a growing concern.

All eyes will be on Rodgers and Tomlin, win or lose.

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