Aaron Rodgers Back to Steelers Gains Steam Despite Mike McCarthy’s ‘Love’ for Backup Will Howard

New Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach Mike McCarthy is constantly speaking with former Green Bay Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers Back to Steelers Gains Steam Despite Mike McCarthy’s ‘Love’ for Backup Will Howard

Steelers' QB Aaron Rodgers (Image via Around The NFL/X)

In Short
  • Aaron Rodgers is reportedly "strongly entertaining" the idea of returning to the Steelers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
  • Mike McCarthy confirms positive and regular conversations with Aaron Rodgers regarding a potential return.
  • The Steelers have not pursued other quarterbacks, indicating confidence in Rodgers' return for at least one more season.

Of all the news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers, their passionate fans are mostly bothered by whether veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to reunite with Mike McCarthy.

The expectation is that their bond will channel into something those ardent Steel City faithful have been waiting for quite a long time to happen.

Even though the two have clashed during their time with the Green Bay Packers, there is mutual love and respect, and that should fuel the Steelers to finally overcome playoff disappointments.

However, Aaron Rodgers, as is usual for him in recent years, has been quiet in the offseason. The only time he appeared in front of the camera was when he wanted to reveal how the paparazzi were making his private life a mess.

With no news about his return to the Steelers, fans and the rest of the football world have been waiting patiently. But as per ESPN’s lead insider, Adam Schefter, they should not worry.

He and Mike McCarthy have been talking on a regular basis. That would lead people to think that if they are talking that often, why are they even talking if Aaron Rodgers isn’t serious? That would tell you that, obviously, he is strongly entertaining the idea of coming back to the Steelers.

Adam Schefter said on NFL Live

The insider believes that the conversations between the two Green Bay Packers alums should be enough indication that Aaron Rodgers will wear yellow, black, and white next season. Those who have concerns over his rumored contract demands should also not be worried, as that may have already been discussed and could just be a formality that needs to be completed.

Mike McCarthy confirms he has had ‘positive’ talks with Aaron Rodgers

Adam Schefter talked about Aaron Rodgers returning based on what Mike McCarthy has been saying, and what his sources from inside the Pittsburgh Steelers have been signaling.

But Steelers on SI’s Noah Strackbein decided to ask the new head coach how his conversations with the veteran quarterback were going.

It’s all good. It’s been very positive, and we’ll just continue to talk. We talk regularly.

Mike McCarthy replied

Even though he does not want to give away too much before it is all official, McCarthy’s response should be enough proof that his former quarterback will soon become his current signal caller.

The organization has not been publicly looking at other playmakers, which should also give the indication that they are sure that the 42-year-old will return for at least one more year.

At a time when Steelers’ fans would want the team to look towards bringing in Aaron Rodgers’ successor, the team has not been active in courting a younger quarterback or hinting at trading up in the draft.

Mike McCarthy signs Will Howard’s praise

That could be because this year’s prospects after Fernando Mendoza do not make it sensible to trade away draft assets. However, it is also possible that the Steelers already like what they have in their current unit.

Mike McCarthy and Will Howard
Mike McCarthy and Will Howard (Image via BG Nation/X)

The biggest thing with Will (Howard), and it’s probably consistent with young QBs, they gotta win from the pocket… He has all the traits to be a starting quarterback.

McCarthy said

The 62-year-old was waxing lyrical about their second-year signal caller. McCarthy pointed out how, despite his draft position, Will Howard has the qualities needed to succeed in the NFL as a starting quarterback.

He admitted that there are things that need to be worked on. But otherwise, the head coach sees their third-string backup as a quality prospect who has proved in the college football playoffs that he can do it all.

If this is their opinion about the Ohio State alum, there is a chance Howard will be thrust to take on a bigger role once Aaron Rodgers is done playing football.

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