Aaron Rodgers spent the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time MVP led the Steelers to the playoffs in what turned out to be Mike Tomlin’s last season in charge with the franchise.

The Steelers have since hired Rodgers’ former coach, Mike McCarthy, to take over as the team’s head coach. Mike McCarthy has hired Frank Cignetti Jr., a move that threatens to undermine any chance of Rodgers returning in 2026.

According to NFL insider Aaron Nagler, while Rodgers was playing for the Green Bay Packers, he was so displeased that McCarthy let Alex Van Pelt walk that he refused to speak to Cignetti Jr., who, for much of the year, had to relay anything he wanted to say to Rodgers through Tim Boyle. Cignetti Jr. and Rodgers could be set for an uncomfortable reunion if he returns to play under McCarthy in 2026.

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Mike McCarthy and Packers fans await Aaron Rodgers’ decision

Aaron Rodgers bounced back from two forgettable seasons with the New York Jets by leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Playoffs in 2025. The future Hall of Famer posted a 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions stat line in his 21st season as a professional.

According to ESPN, Steelers players are more than open to Rodgers returning in 2026; they want the legendary QB back and said as much to various members of the Steelers organization during their exit meetings. Aaron Rodgers’ leadership and experience made him a popular member of the locker room.

However, the final decision lies with Rodgers and the front office. The one-time Super Bowl winner previously indicated that 2025 will be his last season, and he hasn’t said anything since to negate that. The front office also needs to come to terms on a new deal if he decides to return.

In the meantime, Mike McCarthy will look to fill out his coaching staff ahead of a crucial first offseason in Pittsburgh. The team needs to ace free agency and the draft to get back into Super Bowl contention.