Steelers' Heyward wants Rodgers back for another year

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward hopes Aaron Rodgers is wearing black and gold again in 2026.

"Just return, baby. That's all we need," the veteran said on the "Rich Eisen Show." "You know, I think he had a fun time being a part of this crew, and we really enjoyed his company, but I'd like to be able to run it back with him."

Rodgers is deciding whether to retire after spending the 2025 season in Pittsburgh. He started 16 games for the Steelers, going 10-6 and leading them to an AFC wild-card berth.

However, the signal-caller completed just 17 of 33 passes for 144 yards and two turnovers in a 30-6 playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Rodgers' 50.8 passer rating in that contest was his worst career mark in a postseason game, according to TruMedia.

Rodgers threw for 3,332 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the 2025 regular season. His eight turnovers were tied for the second fewest among all signal-callers with at least 300 pass attempts.

Heyward is confident Rodgers would be welcomed back with open arms in Pittsburgh if he decides to continue his career.

"I think everybody is all-in on him. ... From what we got to see this season, we were pleasantly surprised how great he was," Heyward said. "Coming off of being in the Jets to him just being a breath of fresh air with how he went about his business, was accountable, held others accountable, loves the game, and just studies his ass off.

"I haven't seen many guys to that level of just knowing the insides and outs of football. Whether it was Ben (Roethlisberger) or him, those two, they just operate on a different scale."

The Steelers haven't made any significant moves at the quarterback position this offseason; Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are the only signal-callers currently on the roster. The organization holds a league-high 12 selections in the 2026 draft that gets underway April 23.