Two big questions echo for the Pittsburgh Steelers less than one week into their offseason. After the team was booted from the playoffs in the Wild Card round last Monday, longtime head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down. That choice also raises doubts about whether veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers would be open to returning next season.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter isn't ruling it out, mainly because of how positively those in the Steelers' building, including his teammates, view him.
"Almost all Steelers players praise Rodgers during their exit interviews, and most if not all of them want the veteran quarterback to return in 2026," Schefter wrote Sunday. "His support among players was universal, and those around the organization pointed out how beloved and respected Rodgers was there."
Schefter added that Rodgers didn't commit to a decision during his talks with the organization. He wants to take time away before choosing what he wants to do going forward. Sources told Schefter that the Steelers' head coaching choice will factor into Rodgers' decision.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 12, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Steelers president Art Rooney II said during a press conference last week that Tomlin's resignation decreased the odds of Rodgers being back in the Steel City for a second go-round.
The Steelers are expected to speak with Mike McCarthy, Rodgers' former Green Bay Packers head coach, about their vacancy.
After the playoff loss, Rodgers' No. 1 receiver, DK Metcalf , said he'll talk to Rodgers at some point in the offseason.
"I'm gonna let everybody settle down and give them, like, a month or two off. But hopefully he comes back next year," Metcalf said .
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Don't Write Off an Aaron Rodgers, Steelers Reunion Just Yet
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