Aaron Rodgers could play in Steelers' preseason games against Packers, Jets

Aaron Rodgers, pictured here with Mason Rudolph, could take some preseason snaps. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)AP Photo/Gene J. PuskarTracking Aaron Rodgers’ offseason bobs and weaves is like trying to tackle campfire smoke. The future Hall of Famer is fully aware of his stature in the game, one of the most notable figures currently active in the sport regardless of his year-to-year numbers. But at the same time he gives no indication that he believes he needs to listen to the rules, customs and protocols that govern the rest of the NFL. He’ll do what he wants, when he wants.

>Which makes his latest declaration — that he might actually play in Steelers preseason games — both a surprise and a perfectly in-character swerve. Marquee quarterbacks barely dress out for preseason games anymore; the possibility of a freak season-altering injury far outweighs any benefit of running plays easily done in camp. And in the twilight of his career, Rodgers has not exactly gone out of his way to do anything more than hit the minimum viable marks on the way to the regular season.

>But when he’s in uniform, Rodgers is all-team. He may have little use for the external media gossip that surrounds the Steelers, even as he contributes to it, but when he’s wearing the black and gold, he’s all in. That even extends to playing in preseason games, something he hasn’t done to any significant degree in eight seasons.

>Speaking to The Athletic, Rodgers noted that new Steelers head coach — and old Green Bay running mate — Mike McCarthy wants to see his well-seasoned quarterback getting some in-game reps.

>“He (wants me out there for) 30 or 40 plays,” Rodgers told The Athletic. “I said, ‘Mike, if you want me to play, I’ll play.’ I’m not saying I want to do it. But if he wants me to, I will.”

>Most of the Athletic story, Rodgers’ most extensive interview since the end of last season, involves Rodgers repositioning himself for 2026 — noting that he was sick during the Steelers’ playoff loss, professing his respect and affection for McCarthy, things of that nature. But Rodgers remains fascinating because he pinballs between infuriating and transcendent, both on and off the field.

>Arthur Smith, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator in 2025 (and now in the same role with Ohio State) declares that Rodgers’ “arm is as good as anyone his age, ever” — bear in mind that Rodgers is 42 — but adds, “watching him throw the football was like watching Jimmy Page play the guitar.”

>The Steelers’ 2025 season, and former head coach Mike Tomlin’s tenure in Pittsburgh, ended on a pick-six. It was an ugly way for any team to go out, and even more so given that it very well could have been the final throw of Rodgers’ storied career. Now, he’ll get the chance to write a new final chapter, and it’ll begin with throws in the Steelers’ preseason games.

>And who are those first two opponents? Why, the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets, of course. If Rodgers is going to end his career with a flourish, one more shot at his previous two teams would be a good start.