Aaron Rodgers may still be a Steeler this upcoming season, but there was another curveball in the quarterback’s free agency this past weekend.
Ian Rapoport had reported that Rodgers, 42, was expected to visit the Steelers on Friday to kickstart the process of him officially returning to the team in 2026.
However, that visit apparently never happened.
Adam Schefter shared as much on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, with the insider adding that neither the Steelers nor the passer’s agent were aware of the supposed meeting.
However, there were varying reports of Rodgers’ whereabouts.
The Pittsburgh-Tribune Review reported that Rodgers was in the city, but not visiting with the team. 93.7 The Fan reported a rumor that Rodgers was in the area, but was just playing golf.
Schefter still believes that Rodgers — who received an unrestricted free agent tender from Pittsburgh in April — will wind up back with the Steelers for his 22nd season.
The Steelers hired Rodgers’ former Packers coach, Mike McCarthy, to succeed Mike Tomlin, and have the right to match any potential offer signed with another team.
The team’s OTAs begin next Monday, and Schefter added that he didn’t see a reason for Rodgers (if he does plan to return) and Pittsburgh to wait past then to strike a deal.
The future Hall of Famer had an effective, if not earth-shattering season for the Steelers as they finished 10-7.
In 16 games, he threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, while posting a 94.8 passer rating.
Pittsburgh ultimately lost 30-6 to the Texans in the wild-card round to end their season.
Of course, that disappointing loss could still wind up as the final game of Rodgers’ career.
He has flirted with retirement in recent years and got married in 2025 to a woman named Brittani, who has stayed out of the public spotlight.
Either way, Rodgers’ football future should become clearer soon.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
