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Report Casts Doubt on Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers Return as Decision Clock Ticks

Aditi Kinkhabwala says those close to the quarterback see only a minuscule chance he plays in 2026, raising urgency for Pittsburgh to set its offseason plan before March 11.

Overview

  • Aditi Kinkhabwala told 93.7 The Fan that people around Aaron Rodgers view his 2026 return as a “minuscule” possibility, shifting expectations toward retirement.
  • Team preference remains to have clarity before the NFL’s new league year begins on March 11 because the timing shapes free agency and roster construction.
  • Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum publicly urged Pittsburgh to move on, advocating a look at Will Howard while pursuing a veteran alternative.
  • Despite earlier optimism from some reporters about a one-year reunion under Mike McCarthy, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has cautioned that Rodgers tends to decide slowly and a swift resolution is unlikely.
  • Pittsburgh is evaluating contingency paths, with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard the in-house options and reported exploration of draft and trade targets such as Kyler Murray, Malik Willis and Anthony Richardson.