New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is in favor of a return for star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have no clarity regarding the sporting future of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The 42-year-old has not yet decided whether and where he will play in the NFL in the 2026 season.

However, new head coach Mike McCarthy has now reiterated that he would be happy for Rodgers to stay.

McCarthy and Rodgers with a shared Packers past

“Yes, that would be a great story,” McCarthy said at a memorial service for the late Bob Harlan, a former president of the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy previously coached Rodgers with the Packers from 2006 to 2018.

“I don’t know. I would love to give everybody some news,” McCarthy said, explaining that he has not been informed of any decision regarding Rodgers’ future.

Last year, Rodgers decided to sign a contract with the franchise just before the Steelers’ training camp in June 2025.

While the Steelers reportedly have not set a deadline for the quarterback, GM Omar Khan recently said he expects the four-time MVP to make a decision sooner than 2025 this year.

Steelers icon Rod Woodson annoyed by Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers’ wait-and-see attitude is causing anger in the Steelers’ environment. Icon Rod Woodson recently expressed his criticism.

“Is he going to play? I’m getting tired of this. If he wants to play, then he should say he’s going to play and come back. And the Steelers shouldn’t wait for Aaron Rodgers. They need to move on,“ Woodson said on the ”Rich Eisen Show.”

Rodgers himself, however, was relaxed despite his uncertain athletic future. “I haven’t gotten a contract offer or anything like that. So there’s nothing I have to weigh up. I’m a free agent,“ he explained on ”Pat McAfee“, ”I’m enjoying my time with my wife and this phase of the offseason. I think there will be talks later. But not right now. There have been no progressing talks.”

Written by Thomas Maier