The Pittsburgh Steelers added Michael Pittman Jr. to their offense this offseason, and the hope is that he's catching passes from Aaron Rodgers. No one knows what Rodgers is thinking this spring, whether he's planning to return to Pittsburgh (or the NFL in general) or call it a career.
Pittman spoke about the quarterback situation during a recent appearance on Up & Adams and told Kay Adams that he and the team are doing their best to give Rodgers space this offseason. He also said that he believes Rodgers still wants to play football.
"So, I'm trying to give him space, you know, 'cause Aaron's a guy that he likes his space... I didn't want to just get signed and then blow him up and be like, 'Hey Aaron, like what's the deal?' But you know, I just give him time, you know, him and his wife, like they got to handle some things... and then like he will decide if he wants to come back or not.
But the fact that he's still out doing like flag football stuff... I think that he wants to play... like just knowing Aaron prior to this... I just think that, that he's going to try to just like try and play as long as he can."
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Michael Pittman Jr. seems to think Aaron Rodgers wants to return
From what Pittman is saying here, it sure sounds like he's expecting Rodgers to be his quarterback in 2026. The new Steelers wideout did make sure to give Mason Rudolph and Will Howard their flowers as well, but he said that the team will give Rodgers the time he needs to make his decision, much like they did last year.
Adams then asked Pittman if he knew Rodgers at all. Considering that Pittman has spent the entirety of his career with the Colts until his trade to Pittsburgh, it wouldn't be surprising if the two hadn't crossed paths. Pittman said he knew Rodgers from when the two worked out together near Rodgers' home during the offseason.
At this point, there isn't a better option for the Steelers at quarterback in 2026. All of the respectable names on the free-agent and trade market are accounted for, and the draft also doesn't have many options who could start right away. If Rodgers comes back, it'd be best-case scenario for the Steelers and especially for Pittman.