Patrick Queen Urges Pittsburgh Steelers Defense to Step Up as Aaron Rodgers Weighs 2026 Return

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a familiar state of suspense. For the second consecutive offseason, the franchise is operating in a holding pattern, waiting for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to decide if he will return to the field for the 2026 season or finally step into retirement.

As the clock ticks toward the 2026 NFL Draft, the tension within the organization is palpable. While the media has questioned why the team is once again in this position, the players remain steadfast in their support. The latest voice to join the chorus is inside linebacker Patrick Queen, who made it clear during a Tuesday morning appearance on Good Morning Football that he is firmly in the “pro-Rodgers” camp.

“Is he gonna be back? I don’t know,” Queen told the program. “But h*ll, I’ll take him. Dude is a great teammate, great quarterback. We all know him, we all love him. He knows how to win. We just have to be better for him.”

The 50-50 Gamble

When pressed on the actual likelihood of the four-time MVP returning, Queen offered a candid, if non-committal, assessment: a 50-50 chance. However, Queen acknowledged that the quarterback is known for keeping his intentions close to the vest, meaning the linebacker’s estimate may be more of a guess than an inside scoop.

The internal struggle for Rodgers, now 42, appears to be a conflict between a seasoned veteran who has achieved nearly everything in the sport and the innate drive of a competitor. Queen suggested that “unfinished business” and the way the previous season concluded could be the catalysts that bring Rodgers back to Pittsburgh.

“He’s older, he’s experienced a lot, he did a lot. He doesn’t really owe the game anything,” Queen said. “But at the same time, I think the competitor in him definitely wants to get back out on the field. Especially how last year ended, I know he just wants to get back from that.”

A New Era Under Mike McCarthy

The dynamic in Pittsburgh has shifted significantly with the arrival of new head coach Mike McCarthy. The move comes amid a coaching swap involving former coach Mike Tomlin and McCarthy, creating a reunion that could be a deciding factor for Rodgers. The two previously won Super Bowl XLV together as members of the Green Bay Packers.

Rodgers has expressed an openness to working with McCarthy again, citing their long-term contact and positive relationship. In a conversation with Pat McAfee, Rodgers noted that while he has had discussions with the organization, there has been no hard deadline or specific contract offer placed in front of him to trigger a decision.

McCarthy has been vocal about his desire to see the quarterback return, describing the potential reunion as a “great story” and expressing admiration for Rodgers’ ability to play at an elite level at age 42.

By the Numbers: Rodgers’ Recent Impact

The desire to keep Rodgers in the lineup is backed by the production he provided last season. Despite the ongoing uncertainty regarding his future, his efficiency remained a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offense.

Across his storied career with the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers, Rodgers has amassed 66,274 passing yards and 527 passing touchdowns.

The Defensive Mandate

For Patrick Queen, the conversation isn’t just about whether Rodgers returns, but how the team supports him if he does. The two-time Pro Bowler believes the burden of success should shift toward the defense to ensure the quarterback has more opportunities to lead the team to victory.

“We just gotta be better for him, get the ball back to him more times so we can have more chances to go down there and score,” Queen emphasized.

This sentiment reflects a broader organizational belief that Rodgers remains the best option at starting quarterback for the 2026 season, regardless of the frustrations surrounding the wait for his decision.

The April 23 Deadline

While Rodgers has not been given a formal contract deadline, the Steelers organization has reportedly signaled that they would like a decision by the start of the 2026 NFL Draft. The event begins on April 23.

Clarity by the draft is essential for the front office. If Rodgers decides to retire, the team will be forced to pivot immediately to find a new starting quarterback, likely utilizing the draft or the free-agent market to fill the void. If he re-signs, the team can build the rest of the roster around a known quantity at the most important position in sports.

For now, the Steelers remain in a state of cautious optimism, with the players and coaching staff hoping that the competitor in Aaron Rodgers outweighs the lure of retirement.

Next Checkpoint: The Pittsburgh Steelers are awaiting a final decision from Aaron Rodgers by the start of the NFL Draft on April 23, 2026.

Do you think the Steelers should keep waiting for Rodgers or move on to a younger quarterback in the draft? Let us know in the comments.