Overview
- Mike McCarthy confirmed open communication with Aaron Rodgers and said Pittsburgh is preparing for either a return or a departure.
- McCarthy described Rodgers as following his usual offseason routine, noting the quarterback has been skiing, and detailed a playbook that adjusts for a veteran or first‑year starter.
- NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero says the odds of a return are rising and projects a decision around the start of the league year, with any 2026 comeback expected to be with the Steelers.
- Pittsburgh Post‑Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo says signs point toward a return, while CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala calls the chances minuscule and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler cautions the process could take months.
- The uncertainty affects free agency and draft planning; the Steelers have roughly $45 million in cap space and a large 2026 pick haul, and contingency paths reported include free agency, the draft and speculative trade options.