Michael Pittman Jr. Says He Hasn't Spoken to Aaron Rodgers Since Steelers Trade, Predicts QB's Plans

One of the newest members of the Pittsburgh Steelers isn't sure if Aaron Rodgers is going to play in 2026.

"I haven't talked to Aaron," wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams (25:15 mark). "… I'm trying to give him space because Aaron's a guy, he likes his space, he likes to get refreshed. I didn't want to just get signed and then blow him up and be like, 'Hey Aaron, what's the deal?' 

"…  I think that he wants to play. Just knowing Aaron prior to this, I just think he's gonna try and play as long as he can."

Pittsburgh acquired Pittman in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason to bolster the wide receiver group outside of DK Metcalf. Considering no other wide receiver on the team even reached the 400-yard mark last season, it was a much-needed move.

But it remains to be seen who will be throwing passes to those receivers.

Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are the only quarterbacks on the roster, and Pittman stressed he believes in both of those options as well even though he is "obviously hoping" the future Hall of Famer decides to return for another season.

Still, it is the biggest mystery surrounding the team at this point. 

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk noted "Rodgers hasn't spoken publicly about his plans in a few weeks and he didn't offer any hint about which choice he'll make at that time, so it remains to be seen if Pittman's perception is the correct one."

New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers earlier in his career, so perhaps that connection will convince the veteran to run things back even though he will be 42 years old at the start of the 2026 campaign.

Pittman is certainly hoping that is the case.