Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette offered an intriguing analysis of what could lie ahead for the team: Rodgers is the best option if he intends to return, or the Steelers may need to face a transition period and accept the consequences.

“They should draft [a receiver] in the first round to pair with [DK] Metcalf. And then maybe another in the middle rounds because we have no idea if Roman Wilson will develop into a competent player,” Fittipaldo said.

“As for Rodgers, if he wants to come back, the Steelers should strongly consider it. Unless they want to start a rebuild and commit to being a bad team with [Mason] Rudolph or [Will] Howard as the QB, then Rodgers makes the most sense. They are not going to land a QB picking in the low 20s.”

What’s Aaron Rodgers’ current situation?

As of January 2026, Aaron Rodgers is at a major career crossroads following the conclusion of his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After leading the team to an AFC North title, Rodgers’ season ended with a disappointing 30–6 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans.

With longtime head coach Mike Tomlin recently stepping down, reports indicate that Rodgers is unlikely to return to Pittsburgh for the 2026 season, as he originally joined the team largely to play for Tomlin.

The 42-year-old quarterback is now considering whether to retire after 21 seasons or seek a fourth home in the NFL, though he has stated he will take time to make a non-emotional decision.

In search of a head coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers are exploring several high-profile candidates, with Mike McCarthy emerging as a strong favorite. A Pittsburgh native with deep ties to GM Omar Khan, McCarthy is set to interview this Wednesday, sparking intense speculation about a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers. While other candidates like Brian Flores, Chris Shula, and Klay Kubiak are in the mix, hiring McCarthy is seen as the team’s best chance to convince Rodgers to return for another season rather than retiring or seeking a new home.

According to the latest information, the 49ers interviewed Deshea Townsend, who is currently working with the Detroit Lions as their defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach since the 2024 season. Townsend has helped turn the Lions’ defense into one of the most lethal in the current season.

It’s worth noting that Townsend has been coaching in various defensive roles since 2011, working with six different NFL teams as well as the Mississippi State college football program. However, he has never had the opportunity to return to the Steelers, where he played from 1998 to 2009 and won two Super Bowls.

It’s also important to mention that the 49ers’ defense was a disaster during the 2024 NFL season. They ranked as the third-worst defense among the 32 teams, allowing an average of 25.6 points per game for a total of 436 points over 17 weeks. However, it’s valid to note the significant number of injuries to key players.

Why Are the 49ers Looking for a Defensive Coordinator?

It’s important to remember that Nick Sorensen was recently the defensive coordinator for the 49ers but has now been removed from the role. He will remain with the franchise in a different position, and the team currently has no defensive coordinator for the 2025 season. Sorensen held the role for just one season.

Potential Improvements with Townsend

If Townsend becomes the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, it’s likely they will adopt a defensive line similar to what the Lions have, with more aggression and precision in their plays. This could potentially help avoid injuries with better player rotations depending on the game situation.

In a recent interview with Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot, the former Steelers starting QB for many years expressed that Russell Wilson’s team still has several others ahead of them: “I can’t put the Steelers in the same category as Baltimore or the Bills yet.

“They need to go out in this next stretch of games where they have Washington coming in, and I think it’s Baltimore… They have a stretch where if they go out and show that they can beat these teams, these true contenders… if they can go show that they belong, I’ll move them up my list. But right now, I have them at four or five in the AFC,” Roethlisberger also stated.

Currently, Pittsburgh boasts a record of six wins and just two losses, firmly leading the AFC North. Although they share the conference with three tough rivals—Ravens, Bengals, and Browns—the performance of Tomlin’s squad has made them strong contenders to take the division title.

In the near horizon loom the surprising Washington Commanders, who, led by rookie Jayden Daniels, are having an excellent campaign. If the Steelers win, they will undoubtedly solidify their place among the serious title contenders.

A tough matchup against the Commanders, with expected returns

After a week off following their Bye Week, Mike Tomlin‘s Pittsburgh Steelers will return to action next weekend when they face the Washington Commanders, with the notable return of key players to support Russell Wilson.

According to the coach’s regular press conference, the players in question are none other than Cory Trice, Nick Herbig, Zach Frazier, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Tyler Matakevich. With these key players returning, the team strengthens its roster for a crucial matchup as they look ahead to what’s coming.

An important boost for the Steelers

With the NFL trade deadline finally closed, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a last-minute trade that will significantly strengthen their roster. Wide receiver Mike Williams, coming from the New York Jets, will join the team to support Russell Wilson, in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Steelers’ offense has been one of their strongest points, and the addition of Mike Williams only strengthens that unit further. If they continue on this path, there’s no doubt that Mike Tomlin’s team is a serious contender this season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers experienced one of the most disappointing performances in week 4 when they suffered a blowout loss to the Texans. Despite giving up 30 points to a rookie quarterback, their biggest concern remains their offense, which could only produce six points in the defeat.

As reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Steelers have signed wide receiver Denzel Mims to their practice squad. While many have speculated about the possible replacement of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, no official news has surfaced in that regard.

With plenty of football left to play in the 2023 NFL season currently standing at 2-2 in a highly competitive division, the Steelers must focus on improving their offense to complement their dominant defense, which has often been the key to their victories.

Denzel Mims’ Career

Mims, a second-round draft pick of the Jets in 2020, spent three seasons in New York before being traded this offseason. While showing promise as a rookie, he struggled to secure a starting spot, amassing fewer catches than the 21 games he played over the next two seasons.

Following the Jets’ acquisition of several experienced receivers in free agency, Mims was dealt to the Lions in exchange for a swap of late-round draft picks. Unfortunately, he was waived with an injury just a month after the trade was finalized.

Mims is currently recovering from an ankle injury he sustained during training camp. His signing provides the Steelers with insurance at the wide receiver position, especially as they are still without Diontae Johnson, who is on injured reserve.

How Old Is Denzel Mims?

Denzel Mims is 25 years old.