The Pittsburgh Steelers will depend on Aaron Rodgers next season, after the 42-year-old quarterback signed a one-year deal with the organization worth up to $25 million
22:45 ET, 16 May 2026Updated 22:45 ET, 16 May 2026
Aaron Rodgers has signed a new one-year deal through 2026 with the Pittsburgh Steelers
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Aaron Rodgers has signed a new one-year deal through 2026 with the Pittsburgh Steelers(Image: 2026 Perry Knotts Photography)
Legendary NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers officially confirmed he will return in 2026 after signing a fresh one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It's become tradition for Rodgers to prolong his decision-making after completing another NFL season, but the four-time MVP will return for the 2026 campaign. Rodgers visited the Steelers facility in recent weeks to discuss terms and has now signed a one-year deal worth up to $25 million.
It was speculated that Rodgers could retire, with one source claiming that he was weighing up becoming a father or continuing his NFL career. However, he decided on the latter and will reunite with his former head coach, Mike McCarthy, for an intriguing season in Pittsburgh.
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According to ESPN, Rodgers will receive a base salary between $22 million and $23 million, though he could increase that total through incentives. Rodgers officially signed on Saturday, but on Friday, it was believed the deal was inevitable.
Rodgers was seen arriving in the Pittsburgh area this week, which was convenient timing as OTAs begin on Monday. Rodgers was also seen getting ice cream with some of his Steelers teammates on Friday.
The 42-year-old is now expected to report to OTAs on Monday after re-signing with the Steelers. Rodgers has signed under improved terms after leading Pittsburgh to the playoffs last season.
Rodgers led the Steelers to the NFL Playoffs last year, but lost in the Wild Card Round
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Rodgers led the Steelers to the NFL Playoffs last year, but lost in the Wild Card Round
Rodgers has been coy over his future since his last two years with the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers was drafted by the Packers in 2005 and won the Super Bowl with Green Bay in 2010.
By the time that he left Green Bay ahead of the 2023 season, Rodgers had won four MVP awards and was considered one of the all-time greats. He hinted about leaving the Packers one year before his eventual departure, though it wasn't confirmed that his future would hold.
Rodgers famously went on a four-day darkness retreat, considering retirement, continuing in Green Bay, or trading to a new organization. He eventually chose the latter, but enjoyed two disappointing years with the New York Jets.
Rodgers will reunite with Mike McCarthy next season
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Rodgers will reunite with Mike McCarthy next season(Image: Getty Images)
After being told by incoming head coach Aaron Glenn to find a new team, Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the Steelers worth $13.65 million. The deal included $10 million in fully guaranteed money and roughly $3.65 million in incentives.
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Rodgers led the Steelers to the playoffs last season, though the team was steamrolled by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. After the game, Mike Tomlin left his head coaching role after 19 years, and Rodgers was emotional to see the Pittsburgh legend depart.
It was unclear whether Rodgers would return in 2026, though McCarthy's hire sparked immediate speculation of a reunion. McCarthy coached Rodgers in Green Bay, and the incoming head coach was asked about working together again during his introductory press conference.
"I don't see why you wouldn't," McCarthy said. "... I was able to sit back and watch the games, watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team."