NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote Thursday that QB Aaron Rodgers “will likely” return to the Steelers next season. Rodgers is set to meet with the team Friday, and a new deal could follow shortly after.
This was always the most likely outcome.
The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy earlier this year, reuniting Rodgers with his HC in Green Bay. McCarthy said at his introductory press conference that he’d “definitely” like Rodgers back for 2026.
That news just doesn’t bring much fantasy excitement. Rodgers finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in only four of 16 games last season. He averaged 6.5 yards per attempt and failed to threaten downfield, posting a career-low 6.6-yard average depth of target.
That showed in how Rodgers utilized RBs in the passing game. Only the 49ers funneled a larger share of targets to RBs than the Steelers (31% to 25%).
You're safe to avoid Rodgers in 1-QB setups. He's merely a QB3 in superflex leagues.
Rodgers’ love of the checkdown bodes well for Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. His top receiving back last year, new Buccaneer Kenneth Gainwell, set a career high with 73 catches in 2025.
It's unclear how the passing game usage will unfold here. Warren and Dowdle have posted identical catch totals over the past two seasons (78), with the returning Steeler holding the edge in yardage (643 to 546).
Current projections have Warren with the upper hand in target share, 11% to 7%. But this will be a position battle to watch in training camp.
See where both guys sit in our updated PPR RB rankings.
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