Mike Tomlin expects Aaron Rodgers to return to Steelers

TL;DR

Mike Tomlin expects Aaron Rodgers to return as the Steelers' quarterback for the 2026 season despite him being unsigned. Tomlin believes Rodgers has a strong passion for football and mentoring younger players.

Key points

Mike Tomlin expects Aaron Rodgers to return for the 2026 season
Rodgers is currently unsigned and has not committed to the Steelers
Tomlin believes Rodgers has a passion for football and mentoring
Steelers added Drew Allar to their quarterback roster
OTAs for the Steelers start on May 18th, 2026

Mentioned in this story

Mike TomlinAaron Rodgers

Drew AllarPittsburgh SteelersNew York Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 07: Aaron Rodgers #8 and head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers react after beating the New York Jets 34-32 at MetLife Stadium on September 07, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images The 2026 NFL Draft has officially come and gone, and the Pittsburgh Steelers added a quarterback to their room in the form of Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, giving them three on their roster. The Aaron Rodgers question still looms large, though. The 42-year-old quarterback is still unsigned and has yet to commit to the Steelers for the 2026 season. That said, many believe Rodgers will return – including his former head coach. After accepting a job with NBC Sports, Mike Tomlin tells Maria Taylor that he expects Rodgers to be the Steelers’ quarterback in 2026. “If you ha a gun to my head, I’d say AR [will be the Steelers’ quarterback],” Tomlin said. “I just think being around him for the 12 months I was around him, he’s got as love affair with the game of football. And not only the game, but the process. The informal moments of the development of younger guys. The interaction with teammates. I think he has an addiction to that, and there’s only one way to feed it…” The Steelers will begin OTAs May 18th. ***Let us know what you think in the comments***. ***Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!***

Q&A

Will Aaron Rodgers play for the Steelers in 2026?

Mike Tomlin anticipates that Aaron Rodgers will be the Steelers' quarterback for the 2026 season.

What did Mike Tomlin say about Aaron Rodgers' future?

Tomlin expressed confidence in Rodgers' return, citing his love for the game and the development of younger players.

When do the Steelers start their OTAs for 2026?

The Pittsburgh Steelers will begin their OTAs on May 18th, 2026.