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After all, Aaron Rodgers didn’t make it back to Pittsburgh.
After reports emerged last Friday that Rodgers was expected to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in preparation for returning to the team he played for last year, many were hopeful that the months-long wait was over.
However, during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN this Monday, Adam Schefter said that neither the Steelers nor his agent were aware that such a meeting was scheduled.
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Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands during the national anthem before an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 4, 2026. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
But then, there were the reports about where Rodgers is in the world, with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporting that he was in the Steel City, although he was not scheduled to visit the team. A report from 93.7 The Fan added that he was in town to play golf.
Either way, the decision remains as to whether Rodgers will suit the Steelers, but the storied franchise gave itself some security if the four-time MVP quarterback decides he potentially wants to play elsewhere.
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The Steelers used an unrestricted free agent tender for Rodgers last month, allowing Pittsburgh the right to match any offer Rodgers may receive from another team.
Despite doubts in some camps about Rodgers’ possible return, Schefter stressed his belief that he will be on the Steelers’ depth chart come training camp. The Steelers have their OTAs scheduled to begin next Monday.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 4, 2026. (GETTY)
With Rodgers at the helm last season, the Steelers went 10-7, even earning a playoff berth after Baltimore Ravens rookie Tyler Loop’s now-infamous game-winning field goal went through the uprights. The Steelers ended up losing to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round, extending the team’s winless streak in the playoffs to eight consecutive seasons, including three consecutive seasons.
Rodgers, who is slated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he decides to call it quits, threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 16 games for Pittsburgh in 2025.
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The Steelers also revamped their team for this season, as Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ former head coach with the Green Bay Packers, replaces Mike Tomlin, whose generational career in Pittsburgh ended after 19 seasons (2007-25). While DK Metcalf and Rodgers developed chemistry last season, the Steelers also added veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, while adding Germie Bernard from Alabama in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on after being sacked during the first half of the NFL wild card game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 12, 2026. (Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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And while Kenneth Gainwell left after a solid performance with Pittsburgh, Rico Dowdle enters the fold to work alongside Jaylen Warren at running back.
However, the biggest question in football remains: Will Rodgers be part of these new-look Steelers in 2026?
