Could Aaron Rodgers reunite with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh? Coach confirms he’s spoken to star QB several times

Aaron Rodgers’ future in the NFL is once again under the microscope as speculation swirls over a potential reunion with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. Rodgers, 42, just completed a one-year stint with the Steelers and is weighing his options for 2026, including retirement. McCarthy, newly hired as Pittsburgh’s head coach, has made no secret of his interest in seeing Rodgers return, rekindling a partnership that once led Green Bay to Super Bowl glory.In his first press conference as Steelers coach, McCarthy called Rodgers’ return “definitely” his best-case scenario. While owner Art Rooney II insists McCarthy’s hiring was not contingent on Rodgers staying, the possibility of bringing back a familiar face and veteran quarterback is tantalizing for both fans and the franchise. Rodgers’ 2025 season saw him throw 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions, guiding Pittsburgh to a 10–6 record as starter, but the team’s playoff exit against the Texans left unanswered questions about his effectiveness in high-stakes games.Mike McCarthy addressed the rumors on The Pat McAfee Show, confirming he has spoken to Rodgers “a number of times” since taking the Steelers job. “I’ve spoken to Aaron a number of times, but I think just like anybody that played the game a long time, particularly at this point in their career, it’s important to get away,” McCarthy explained. He stressed that Rodgers is in the middle of his usual offseason decompression and that any decisions about 2026 are entirely up to the veteran quarterback.The former Packers coach also highlighted ongoing roster evaluations, noting, “Obviously it’s a constant, as far as the communication between [general manager] Omar [Khan] and I, and he always has the roster board open in his office. So we’re talking about these players a number of times a day to make sure I’m getting familiar with them, and we’re just continuing to have conversation about the direction we want to go.”Rodgers’ potential return is far from guaranteed, especially given his age and the playoff struggles of 2025. Backup Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard provide Pittsburgh with alternative options, and McCarthy has already praised Howard as a player with upside. Yet the bond between Rodgers and McCarthy- a partnership that produced two MVP seasons and a Super Bowl win—remains a compelling reason for a reunion. How Rodgers weighs personal priorities against professional opportunity will define the Steelers’ quarterback situation in 2026.