Rodgers’ Final Season and Team Changes
Aaron Rodgers has stated that the 2026 season will be his last in the NFL, a declaration he made after signing a one-year deal in May to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He reiterated this stance on Tuesday, July 28, confirming there is “zero debate” about his retirement. This decision comes as the Steelers navigate significant changes, including the arrival of new head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy, who has deep roots in Pittsburgh, brings a different approach to the team’s training camp at Saint Vincent College. Practices that were previously held in the late afternoon under former coach Mike Tomlin will now occur earlier in the day. Team meetings are scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m., with all practices concluding by 1:30 p.m. at the latest. Rodgers noted that the OTAs under McCarthy were “crisp” and anticipated similar intensity for training camp.
The shift in training camp routines marks a departure from practices established over a long period. Linebacker T.J. Watt described the start of his 10th year in the NFL as feeling like the first day of school, acknowledging “a lot of unknown.” McCarthy has also emphasized reducing risk in practices, particularly concerning tackling, by focusing on fundamental techniques like footwork to prepare players for games.
Player Status and Contract Negotiations
The Steelers are also dealing with player statuses and contract negotiations as training camp begins. Veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey sustained a knee injury, leading to his placement on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This move was precautionary and Ramsey is expected to return in a couple of weeks.
He was also placed on the PUP list on Tuesday, with no further details provided by the club. Porter is entering the final year of his rookie contract, signed in 2023 after being selected in the second round. During minicamp in June, Porter opted out of certain team drills to protect his health.
General manager Omar Khan addressed the ongoing contract discussions, noting that while tight end Darnell Washington and outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who were in Porter’s draft class, have signed new deals, nothing else is ‘imminent.’ Khan acknowledged the nature of negotiations, stating, “We understand where we are, and we have communication. We know how the process works.”
Rodgers’ Career Outlook
He signed a one-year deal in May to return to Pittsburgh. Wide receiver DK Metcalf suggested Rodgers might consider playing beyond 2026 if he had a successful season, but Rodgers quickly dismissed the idea. He mentioned that he had considered the previous year as potentially his last, but after Mike McCarthy was hired, he committed to one more year.
Rodgers has played in 264 career games, completing 65.1 percent of his passes for 66,274 yards, 527 touchdowns, and 123 interceptions. He has also contributed with 3,634 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns. In the previous season with the Steelers, he appeared in 16 games, completing 65.7 percent of his pass attempts for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
The four-time MVP is focused on concluding his career by aiming for a Super Bowl win with the Steelers. The upcoming 2026 NFL season will be his last.
Source: theglobeandmail.com
