The Steelers' decisive 30-6 loss to the Texans in the wild-card round on Monday has ushered four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers's future to the forefront. Rodgers, a pending free agent as his one-year contract with Pittsburgh is set to expire, was non-commital about his potential retirement or return, telling reporters he'd take some time away before making a decision. But two of the Steelers' biggest stars, seven-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf, each addressed Rodgers's future after the disappointing first round playoff exit, expressing their hope that the veteran signal-caller returns in 2026.
“If 8 wants to come back, he's has the right to come back,” Heyward said, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “I'd like to see him come back, but I'm not going to make that decision. That's not fair to the Steelers. It's not fair to 8. Have a lot of respect for the organization and Aaron. The dude's earned my respect for what he's been through this year. And he's a hell of a teammate. I'm just very thankful I got to play with that quarterback.”
