Aaron Rodgers is reportedly traveling with the intent to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers before the weekend. The news was initially reported by “93.7 The Fan’s” Adam Crowley. If confirmed, the move would end a months-long saga that has impacted the franchise’s offseason for a second consecutive year.
The four-time NFL MVP, who led Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title in 2025, has been a free agent since the start of the new league year. Despite the Steelers placing a rare unrestricted free agent tender on Rodgers following the draft, no formal contract had been signed heading into May. However, that is expected to change soon.
All Signs Point to Aaron Rodgers Being the Steelers’ QB1
Delay in Rodgers’ decision forced Pittsburgh to draft Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with the No. 76 overall pick in the third round. Had the 42-year-old quarterback agreed to return before the draft, the Steelers might have used that pick on another player.
The biggest reason to believe Rodgers was always coming back was due to the coaching staff. The Steelers replaced Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy, who Rodgers played under with the Green Bay Packers, and has a great relationship with.
“FA QB Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to visit the Steelers Friday and this weekend, will likely play for them in 2026, sources say,” Ian Rapoport wrote on X. “A deal is not done & there is always caution until things are signed. But Rodgers’ plan is to play for PIT & these are steps toward that end.”
With Rodgers expected to sign with the Steelers soon, analysts on social media had varying reactions to his return, with some calling for the team to start completely fresh under McCarthy.
“Wording is always so weird with reports around Rodgers,” Brandon Little said about the latest development on the future Hall of Famer. “Just sign the damn contract like we all know you’re going to.”
Steelers rookie minicamp opens tomorrow, for what it’s worth. https://t.co/hsyGx3YONJ
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) May 7, 2026
“Looks like we’re getting an Aaron Rodgers + Mike McCarthy reunion after all,” Eli Berkovits wrote.
If Aaron Rodgers is coming to town with the intent to sign with the Steelers this weekend, he forgot to tell somebody important — the Steelers. The organization has not been informed of this development. That’s not to say that it can’t happen or that it isn’t imminent. There… pic.twitter.com/weL7OlFOIR
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 7, 2026
“Given the choice between starting Aaron Rodgers, Drew Allar, and Will Howard, the choice is obvious: Rodgers,” Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna said on X. “But … couldn’t the Steelers have pursued some other choices?!”
No idea what “further discussion” is even required at this point and there’s mixed reporting here (Kaboly noting Steelers haven’t been told of anything) but…ok. https://t.co/j6FPBPddww
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) May 7, 2026
“The 2027 draft is widely considered one of the best QB drafts in years. And yet, Pittsburgh is choosing the QB who is least likely to get them a top-10 pick, but also keeping them from being a relevant contender,” Marcus Mosher wrote in a critique of the Steelers’ decision to bring back Rodgers. “Just an incredible lack of foresight.”
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Rather than running it back with a declining veteran for another year, Pittsburgh had a genuine opportunity to evaluate its young quarterbacks. Both Will Howard and Allar would have largely benefited from opportunities to start, and it would have given the Steelers a clear picture of what they have before the draft next year.
Now with Rodgers returning, it’s unlikely that the team will be in a position to get a highly touted quarterback in next year’s draft, and they won’t have any idea of how good Allar and Howard actually are
The case for bringing Rodgers back is about achieving some success in the regular season and potentially making the playoffs. He threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 2025. According to PFSN’s QB Impact Metric, he posted an impact score of 71.4 last season, ranking 29th in the league.
With the addition of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and second-round pick Germie Bernard, the offensive weapons around the quarterback position have improved. However, it is widely believed they have no shot at winning the Super Bowl, and their season will likely end similarly to how it has over the last decade under Tomlin.
