[ad_1]
Not surprisingly, new Pittsburgh Steelers‘ coach Mike McCarthy’s second query throughout his introductory press convention was about Aaron Rodgers and whether or not or not he desires to his former Inexperienced Bay Packers‘ quarterback to return to Pittsburgh for the 2026 season.
McCarthy mentioned that he has already spoken with Rodgers, who mentioned previous to the 2025 season that it could seemingly be final. He was non-committal, nevertheless, about his plans for 2026 following Pittsburgh’s season-ending loss to the Houston Texans within the AFC Wild Card spherical.
“Undoubtedly. I do not see why you would not,” McCarthy mentioned. “I’ve spoken to Aaron, and in order that’s actually the place we’re there. I used to be capable of sit again and watch the video games. I watched many of the Pittsburgh video games on TV, and I assumed he was an incredible asset for the group.”
McCarthy and Rodgers loved a adorned run collectively in Inexperienced Bay that included a Tremendous Bowl win on the Steelers’ expense on the finish of the 2010 season. The duo additionally led the Packers to eight straight playoff appearances from 2009-16. Throughout that span, Rodgers gained a Tremendous Bowl MVP and the primary two of his eventual 4 league MVP awards.
Rodgers spent the primary 18 years of his profession in Inexperienced Bay earlier than spending two seasons with the New York Jets. Final yr, his first with the Steelers, Rodgers helped Pittsburgh seize its first division title since 2020. He and the Steelers felt quick, nevertheless, of capturing the franchise’s first playoff win since 2016 following their 30-6 loss to Houston. Mike Tomlin, who had been the Steelers’ head coach for 19 years, stepped down someday later.
Relating to the upcoming season, McCarthy burdened the significance of Rodgers taking the time he wants earlier than making a call on what he plans to do subsequent season. That’s according to how his predecessor, Tomlin, dealt with Rodgers final offseason earlier than Rodgers finally determined to signal with the Steelers simply earlier than the beginning of minicamp.
“I feel when gamers are up that stage of their profession, they should step away and decompress,” McCarthy mentioned. “I feel that is crucial.”
Whereas the door is open for Rodgers to return, McCarthy likes what the Steelers at the moment have on the quarterback place in Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. Rudolph is a profession backup who has sometimes performed nicely when known as upon. Howard, a 2025 sixth-round choose, confirmed early indicators of promise final summer season earlier than an harm prevented him from taking part in within the preseason.
“I am actually enthusiastic about Will Howard,” he mentioned. “I feel he is somebody that I assumed actually got here on there at Ohio State. I am anxious to work with him.
“It would be nice to have Aaron again, however with Will and Mason, I am actually, I am actually, actually excited to get began with these guys.”
[ad_2]
