While Super Bowl 60 takes over Sunday, there are many questions to be answered after the game as we look toward next season.
One of those questions is around quarterback Aaron Rodgers. There was a growing belief throughout the season that last year would be his final year in the NFL. However, that may no longer be the case.
Will Aaron Rodgers retire? NFL Insider Shares the Latest
We’ve gone through this process a couple of times with Rodgers now, wondering whether he’ll decide to hang up the cleats or return to the field.
Here we are again. Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 and is a free agent this offseason. However, it seems as though he will either return to Pittsburgh or retire.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero gave the latest on Rodgers on Sunday morning.
“Aaron Rodgers has not yet informed the Steelers whether he will return for a 22nd NFL season, but my understanding is the odds are increasing,” Pelissero said. “I am told Rodgers has spoken several times with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, who, of course, helped Rodgers develop into a four-time MVP and Super Bowl winner in Green Bay.”
When former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin resigned, it felt like Rodgers would retire, since Tomlin was a major reason the quarterback was playing in Pittsburgh.
However, the Steelers pivoted to another proven, successful veteran coach in McCarthy, who has extensive experience with Rodgers.
Rodgers was McCarthy’s quarterback in Green Bay for his entire head-coaching tenure, from 2006 to 2018.
The former Packers quarterback earned seven Pro Bowl trips, won two MVPs, and won a Super Bowl with McCarthy. So, as soon as McCarthy was hired in Pittsburgh, the belief that Rodgers may return grew.
However, Rodgers doesn’t just have the faith of the Steelers’ coach; their No. 1 receiver wants him back, too.
“Rodgers also has spoken with receiver D.K. Metcalf, who wants Rodgers back at age 42,” Pelissero said. “The plan is for Rodgers to take a little bit more time, and everyone hopes comes to a decision prior to the start of free agency in mid-March.”
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo, and @JudyBattista: Aaron Rodgers seriously considering returning to the #Steelers; Lamar Jackson and #Ravens set to work out an extension; #Rams QB Matthew Stafford could get a raise; HOF eyes major voting changes. pic.twitter.com/VHhcGwV8m4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026
The waiting game begins for Rodgers. He’s been known to take his time in this process and take his own journey to make his decision.
READ MORE: Super Bowl 60 Predictions: Predicting the Winner, Final Score, MVP, and More
“This is Aaron Rodgers, only he knows ultimately where this is going,” Pelissero said. “If he’s going to come back, they need to work on a contract, but at this point, it would not be a surprise if Rodgers is back in Pittsburgh.”
Rodgers has about five weeks to determine what he wants to do next season before the mid-March deadline hits.
If he decides to retire, he’d be doing so with a resume that puts him up with some of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
