The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to bring Aaron Rodgers back for 2026, and the veteran is expected to finalize a deal and return to work under former head coach Mike McCarthy
11:00 ET, 07 May 2026Updated 11:00 ET, 07 May 2026
Aaron Rodgers is closing in on a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers
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Aaron Rodgers is closing in on a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers(Image: 2026 Perry Knotts Photography)
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is traveling back to Pittsburgh to negotiate his plans for the 2026 NFL season and is expected to sign with the Steelers.
Rodgers led the Steelers to the playoffs last season, but the team lost in the Wild Card Round, and longtime head coach Mike Tomlin then stepped away from the organization. The Steelers placed a rare unrestricted free-agent tender on Rodgers this offseason, securing first-refusal rights.
The 42-year-old has once again stepped away from the public eye during the offseason and was recently linked with an unexpected move to the Arizona Cardinals. However, Rodgers is closing in on an official return to the Steelers, where he could reunite with new head coach Mike McCarthy.
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That's according to 93.7 The Fan's Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson, who claimed via a source on Thursday that Rodgers is coming into Pittsburgh and will sign with the team this weekend. Rodgers has been silent since the end of last season, but the Steelers needed to prepare for 2026.
Rodgers hadn't informed the team of his decision by the NFL Combine and hadn't reached a verdict by the NFL Draft. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers reportedly wanted a decision by May 18, the first day of OTAs.
Talks are expected to take place, and Rodgers is due to earn $15 million as per the terms of the UFA tender. However, the veteran could negotiate a higher salary to return to the Steelers.
Rodgers could reunite with former coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh
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Rodgers could reunite with former coach Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh(Image: Getty Images)
For several years, Rodgers' future has been debated in the offseason. Since his final season with the Green Bay Packers in 2023, Rodgers has teased retirement and offered cryptic updates on his next steps.
Rodgers ultimately left the Packers as a legend and was traded to the New York Jets, though a disastrous two-year stint ended when Aaron Glenn was hired as head coach. Rodgers enjoyed last season under coach Tomlin and could now be reunited with McCarthy, who coached at Green Bay.
The four-time MVP missed the playoffs in both seasons with the Jets, though he was injured in his first year with a torn Achilles. Last season, the Steelers suffered a humiliating 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round.
The Steelers were steamrolled in the first round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs
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The Steelers were steamrolled in the first round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs(Image: Getty Images)
Rodgers' return will alleviate some pressure in Pittsburgh, given that all three quarterbacks on the roster lack experience. Mason Rudolph was re-signed as Rodgers' backup last season, and Pittsburgh now has two young quarterbacks on the roster.
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After drafting Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, the Steelers selected Penn State signal-caller Drew Allar. McCarthy has been impressed with Howard, but Allar is considered the greater prospect.
Another year with Rodgers will allow both Howard and Allar to focus on improving their skills in the background, while also being mentored by the veteran. Howard said on The Christian Kuntz Podcast that it's a great situation for him personally.
"I mean a sixth rounder to be here and to have an opportunity to compete you know with the guys that are already in the room," Howard said. "If Aaron wants to come back another year. Either way I’m fired up. I think it's just a great scenario for the future for me and for you, and for the organization too."