New

Will Aaron Rodgers Retire? Steelers Return '50-50,' Teammate Says

As the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh approaches, it seems likely that quarterback Aaron Rodgers could return to the Steelers for another season after playing out a 1-year contract in 2025. But not everyone is so sure.

In an appearance on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football," Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, who joined the team in 2024, said he thought the odds of Rodgers' return were "50-50," NBC Sports reported.

"Is he gonna be back? I don’t know," Queen said. "But hell, I’ll take him. Dude is a great teammate, great quarterback. We all know him, we all love him. He knows how to win. We just have to be better for him."

Here's what to know about what could go into that decision.

When could Rodgers commit to the Steelers?

If he chooses to come back to the Steel City, Rodgers may commit to the Steelers during the draft. There's also the possibility that he may wait to see if another team loses its starter and gives him a call.

Other than the Arizona Cardinals, every NFL team already has a clear starter or candidates to win the starting job for 2026.

How long has Rodgers played for the Steelers?

Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in June 2025 and played his 21st NFL season with them. Initially, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft as the 24th overall pick.

Rodgers arrived to the team under head coach Mike Tomlin, who coached for the Steelers from 2007 to January of this year, with a tenure that included one Super Bowl win. Mike McCarthy, the former head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, now leads the team.

Rodgers, Steelers 2025 stats

Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions with the Steelers as he compiled a 10-6 record. It was the fewest number of touchdowns in a full season in his career, but also Rodgers' fewest touchdowns since being picked off just four times in 2021.

In the 2025 season, the Steelers went 10-7 for a .588 winning percentage. Pittsburgh lost 30-6 to the Texas in the first round of the playoffs.

Rodgers' career before the Steelers

Rodgers has a long list of honors. He has won the Associated Press Most Valuable Player four times, making him the only player besides Peyton Maning to win the title four or more times.

He was chosen as First Team Associated Press All-Pro four times in 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021, and Second-Team AP All-Pro once in 2012. He was also selected 10 times for the Pro Bowl, which is tied for fifth most by a quarterback.

Rodgers was the MVP of Super Bowl XLV with the Green Bay Packers, where he completed 24 of 39 passes for 204 yards, as well as three touchdowns in a victory against the Steelers.

In addition to the Packers and Steelers, he's played for the New York Jets, where he spent two seasons.

When is NFL Draft 2026 in Pittsburgh?

The NFL Draft will take place from April 23 through April 25, with events split across the Allegheny River. The Draft Theater and Main Stage are set to be located on the North Shore in the area outside Acrisure Stadium, according to VisitPITTSBURGH. The NFL Draft Experience, a free fan festival, will take place at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Do I need tickets to attend the NFL Draft?

It's free to attend the draft, but attendees must register for free access to the draft campus ahead of time through the NFL OnePass app or on the NFL's website.