Mike Tomlin says Aaron Rodgers still has the itch to play, hints he could end up in Pittsburgh

Mike Tomlin, fresh off his move from the Steelers' sideline to the broadcast booth, made a splash during his NBC debut by suggesting Aaron Rodgers isn't done with football just yet. Speaking as part of NBC's NFL coverage, Tomlin said the veteran quarterback still has a "love affair" with the game - a sign, he believes, that Rodgers could return to the field in 2026.

While Tomlin didn't claim to have inside information, he didn't rule out a Steelers comeback either. "I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up in Pittsburgh," Tomlin said, adding that Rodgers' competitive fire and deep respect for the sport make a return likely. The comment sparked immediate buzz, especially given Tomlin's long history with the franchise.

Still, the Steelers' current leadership appears to be moving in a different direction. Head coach Mike McCarthy - who took over after Tomlin's departure - recently confirmed that the team's selection of Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the 2026 draft was not influenced by any potential Rodgers signing. Allar is seen as a developmental prospect, but the pick signals a focus on building for the future, not chasing a veteran stopgap.

Rodgers, 42, has not played since the 2024 season and remains a free agent. He's made cryptic comments in interviews about staying close to the game, but hasn't committed to a return. His last season with the Jets ended in disappointment, marked by injury and a losing record, raising questions about whether he'd want to restart his career elsewhere.

Tomlin, who led the Steelers for nearly two decades before stepping down after the 2025 season, used his broadcast platform to reflect on what drives players like Rodgers. "Some guys just can't walk away," he said. "It's not about the money or the spotlight. It's about the work, the locker room, the challenge. That's what keeps them coming back."

Whether Rodgers returns - and where - remains uncertain. The Steelers have not commented on Tomlin's remarks, and no team has publicly pursued the four-time MVP. But with Tomlin now offering analysis instead of game plans, his words carry more speculation than authority.

For now, the idea of Rodgers in Pittsburgh feels more like a sentimental notion than a likely scenario. But in a league where comebacks are common and loyalties shift, even long shots can gain traction - especially when they come from someone who knows both the quarterback and the city as well as Tomlin does.