It appeared the Pittsburgh Steelers took a major step forward to bring back Aaron Rodgers when they hired Mike McCarthy to be their head coach. In fact, we think that a reunion will happen for McCarthy and Rodgers in Pittsburgh.
FOX Sports NFL writer Greg Auman predicted that the Steelers would land three players from his top 100 NFL free agents list. One of those potential signings included Rodgers, while the other two were outside additions.
Pittsburgh has roughly $45 million in cap space this offseason, per Over The Cap. So, the Steelers have some cap space to play with if they want to re-sign Rodgers.
But let’s take a closer look at Auman’s free-agent predictions for the Steelers.
(57th-best free agent, fifth-best free agent running back)
Auman’s thoughts: “Dowdle, 27, has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers — nearly identical years, within 3 yards and one carry of each other, with the exact same number of catches. He had a lukewarm market a year ago and signed for $2.75 million with Carolina, but doubled his pay by cashing out another $2.75 million in incentives. Carolina leaning on Chuba Hubbard down the stretch could have him signing elsewhere. Would Mike McCarthy like him for a Dallas reunion in Pittsburgh?”
Sign Chiefs S Bryan Cook
(29th-best free agent, second-best free agent safety)
Auman’s thoughts: “Cook, 26, is the model for low-key under-the-radar coverage skills without splash plays. He has three interceptions in four seasons in Kansas City, one sack and zero forced fumbles, but he’s solid and consistent enough as a defender to be Pro Football Focus’ No. 5 safety in 2025. What’s tricky is the Chiefs have the least cap space of any NFL team, so they’re going to have to let talented young players walk and must prioritize which, if any, they’re able to extend.”
Re-sign QB Aaron Rodgers
(12th-best free agent, third-best free agent quarterback)
Auman’s thoughts: “Rodgers, 42, is likely deciding between retiring and returning for a 22nd NFL season, especially with his longtime Packers coach, Mike McCarthy, taking over in Pittsburgh. Rodgers hasn’t made a Pro Bowl in the last four years, but his 2025 numbers (24 touchdowns, seven interceptions) weren’t bad. If he’s willing to come back on a team-friendly deal like the one-year, $14 million deal he played on last season, he’s in a good position to help Pittsburgh compete in a wide-open AFC North in 2026 — with 13 touchdown passes, he’ll pass Peyton Manning for third in NFL history.”
