With Tomlin’s departure now official, a top NFL insider has provided a definitive update on Rodgers’ future in Pittsburgh Steelers, and it signals the end of an era. NFL insider Ian Rapoport has confirmed these reports, stating that the chances of Rodgers staying in Pittsburgh have dropped significantly. 

 “I do not expect him to return now that Tomlin is not back,” Rapoport reported on his X account. “We may have seen the last of Rodgers in the NFL.”

Aaron Rodgers has made his decision and isn’t expected to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season, as per the latest post. After joining the team on a one-year deal last summer, the veteran quarterback made it clear that head coach Mike Tomlin was the main reason he chose to come to Pittsburgh. However, with Tomlin officially stepping down after 19 seasons, it appears Rodgers’ time with the team is also coming to an end.

Steelers president Art Rooney II also admitted that Rodgers specifically came to the team to play for Tomlin.

Last offseason, some reports suggested that Aaron Rodgers could have joined the Giants or Minnesota Vikings, but eventually, he signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move paired the legendary former Packers and Jets quarterback with head coach Mike Tomlin. 

The partnership proved successful as they led the team to yet another winning 10-7 record and an AFC North division title. 

However, the future of the 42-year-old quarterback is now a major question mark. While rumors circulated that both Rodgers and the Steelers wanted to continue their partnership next year, the situation changed quickly after a disappointing 30-6 playoff loss to the Houston Texans. 

Following that defeat, Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach. If Rodgers chooses to retire now, he will end his career on a high note. Despite playing on a team without many offensive stars, he put up impressive numbers, throwing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. 

His strong performance and high passer rating proved that he can still compete at a high level. Even if he doesn’t return to Pittsburgh, his solid play this past year will likely make him a top target for other teams looking for a veteran leader to help them win right away.

Aaron Rodgers bids an emotional goodbye to Mike Tomlin

It has been a truly emotional week in Pittsburgh following Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down after nearly two decades as the head coach of the Steelers. The bond between the coach and his players went far beyond the field, making the reality of his departure incredibly difficult for the locker room to process.

For many veteran leaders on the team, the news was a shocking moment. Aaron Rodgers, Cam Heyward, and T.J. Watt were reportedly among the most devastated. 

Top Stories

Cam Skattebo Sends Expletive-Laced Message on Giants’ John Harbaugh Announcement

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Jordan Love Incident After Wild Card Loss to the Bears

Emotional Josh Allen Voices Frustration Over Silence From Refs as Bills’ Sean McDermott Erupts After Broncos Loss

CBS Makes Final Decision on Firing Tony Romo as Cowboys Legend Announces Health Struggles – Report

According to a detailed report by Mike DeFabo for The Athletic, the atmosphere inside the team meeting room was heavy with grief. After Tomlin informed the squad that he was stepping away, the players and staff took turns saying their individual goodbyes. 

One of the most heartbreaking moments involved quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had joined the team in 2025 specifically to play for Tomlin. Several players noted that Rodgers was visibly distraught, managing through sobs to repeat a two-word message to his coach: “I’m sorry.”

The Steelers had fought hard down the stretch to secure an AFC North title, largely because the players surely wanted to end Tomlin’s recent postseason losing streak. 

With Mike Tomlin gone, the foundation that brought Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh has collapsed just as quickly as it was built. If this truly is the end, the Steelers are staring at a full reset, while Rodgers walks away having proven he still belongs under center.