The Pittsburgh Steelers officially have their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, as Aaron Rodgers is returning for a 22nd NFL season. Steelers fans weren't sure what would happen here, but Rodgers is back and ready to help lead the team to a second straight AFC North title, hopefully.
Mike Garafolo spoke about the reunion on Good Morning Football, and he seemed a bit surprised by Rodgers' decision. Garafolo noted that when he spoke to Rodgers last summer, after he had first joined the Steelers, the veteran quarterback seemed to be on a farewell tour.
"I was there last year when he signed the one-year deal and was there for minicamp... I remember hearing in his voice the sound that this was going to be a 'farewell tour' for him. Now, if Mike McCarthy didn't get the job as the Steelers [head coach], maybe this thing turns out completely different."
Mike Garafolo says Mike McCarthy might be to thank for Aaron Rodgers' Pittsburgh Steelers reunion
Perhaps the Steelers hiring of Mike McCarthy is what prompted Rodgers to return for another year. After all, the two have history together, as McCarthy coached Rodgers in Green Bay for 13 years. Things didn't end particularly great between them, but clearly, they've patched things up, and the appeal of playing for McCarthy again was strong enough to convince Rodgers to return for another season.
Garafolo also mentioned that the Steelers are now dealing with a crowded quarterback room and that either Will Howard or Mason Rudolph will be the odd man out. Rodgers clearly is the starter, and Pittsburgh won't cut third-round pick Drew Allar, so that leaves two possible cut candidates.
With Rodgers turning 43 at the end of the year, one would think this has to be his final year in the league. But hey, who knows? Maybe if McCarthy and him work well together and the Steelers win a playoff game this year, he'll come back for Year 23. We'll have to wait and see what happens.
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