Voluntary workouts for NFL teams with new head coaches began on Tuesday.
For the first time in 19 years, the Steelers fell into this category and welcomed players back to the South Side for the first time since mid-January. The Steelers posted pictures and videos, including T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, Jalen Ramsey, Pat Freiermuth, Jack Sawyer, Joey Porter Jr., and other players returning to the facility for workouts.
Newcomers Michael Pittman Jr. and Jaquan Brisker also reported to the first day of voluntary
workouts, but one important face was missing. The one who plays the most important in all of sports. Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned, with the initial preparation of the 2026 season underway.
It remains a mystery whether Rodgers will come back for a second season in the black and gold. It feels like a forgone conclusion that Rodgers will return with how the Steelers approached their offseason. Veteran NFL reporter Michael Silver believes the Steelers and Rodgers enjoyed their time together, and more reflection has made the memories fonder.
“I think time has kind of made them feel like ‘hey, that was a pretty good thing. We’ve been through a lot,’” Silver said on Yahoo Sports Daily on Tuesday.
Silver thinks the organization is “reasonably upbeat” that Rodgers will return in 2026, reuniting with his former Packers coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh.
“And so Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers have been talking about this, I think the Steelers organizationally are reasonably upbeat about the possibility of Aaron coming back and playing another season,” Silver said.
Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,332 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions last season. Rodgers reinvigorated the Steelers offense at times, taking Arthur Smith’s system to a new level.
But it wasn’t always good times. The Steelers only scored six points against the Houston Texans in the playoffs, the ninth year in a row the organization failed to win a playoff game dating back to 2016.
Rodgers threw a pick-six and lost a fumble that was returned by Sheldon Ranklin for a touchdown. Both turnovers came in the 4th quarter, resulting in a blowout 30-6 loss in the first home game at Acrisure Stadium since 2020.
The 42-year-old QB was sacked 29 times, fumbled four times (only lost one), and missed the Bears game due to a wrist injury. Silver mentioned how Art Rooney II told local Steelers media members that they expect to hear a decision before the draft.
“They still don’t really have a great option for 2026 if Aaron says no or if he says, ‘you know what, I need a few more months,’” Silver said. “Cautious optimism in the building that Aaron Rodgers will come back.”
That gives Rodgers three weeks to decide if he wants to play for the Steelers, pursue another opportunity, or retire.
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