There's no question about Aaron Rodgers' longevity. Sticking by the Steelers at 42 is a major feat. However, after news of the QB potentially returning for another season, fans weren't happy.

In a Sunday post, NFL expert Tom Pelissero announced, "Rodgers has not yet informed the Steelers whether he will return for a 22nd NFL season, but my understanding is the odds are increasing."

The revelation was surprising, especially since a few weeks ago, reports emerged that Rodgers would leave since Mike Tomlin was no longer the head coach. Even franchise president Art Rooney II agreed at the time. However, Pelissero revealed what went down.

"I am told Rodgers has spoken several times with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, who, of course, helped Rodgers develop into a four-time MVP and a Super Bowl winner in Green Bay. Rodgers has also spoken with wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who wants Rodgers back at age 42."

Metcalf was Rodgers' top target in the season. He recorded 850 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns, averaging 14.4 yards per reception.

Despite posting 24 touchdowns and 3,322 yards, the veteran's potential return was not met with universal approval from fans.

Fans Want Rodgers Out

One fan hoped, “Hopefully as a backup to Will.” Will Howard is the 24-year-old rookie who was drafted in 2025. He was picked in the sixth round as the 185th choice overall, but was benched throughout, despite coming off a 4,010 yards and 35-touchdown season.

“Sorry to say he’s not that reliable any longer. He’s just getting too old to throw that ball you can see in a few games. He look like just an ordinary old man trying to make a receiver catch the ball. He does not have it any longer. Nobody wants Aaron back, not even the team,” a comment read.

Despite this, he was sacked 29 times and had seven interceptions. His underwhelming performances, particularly in the playoffs, have disappointed many fans. When the Steelers lost to the Houston Texans in the playoffs, Rodgers scored no points but got sacked four times. 

“Retire & get wide out help. Pittsburgh needs a Josh Allen-type quarterback,” some wrote, asking for a powerful and younger player in the starting position. 

But some fans are still rooting for him as a fan, comparing him to Tom Brady, another legend. “Only time will really tell... we're on that Brady 2.0 hype-train with Rodgers! Everyone's rooting for a return, so whenb he's body finally says no, we'l be hyping it up!” a fan stated. 

Another one approved of the possibility and wrote, “Let’s go he’s the best option for us and he was still very good last year.”

Like last season, the Pittsburgh management is still awaiting Rodgers reply. After joining the Steelers as a free agent last season, he made minimal public appearances during training camp.

If Rodgers does return, it would be his 22nd season in the pro league. And a record too. At the same time, we could see him head to a different team. The Colts and Vikings are still options.

But should he exhaust himself and the fans?

What do you think? Comment your thoughts and follow the Cleveland Browns Community for updates.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar