Aaron Rodgers is returning for a 22nd season in the NFL. The future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback will sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract worth up to $25 million, with $22 million guaranteed.
Rodgers is expected to participate in the team's organized team activities (OTAs) beginning Monday.
Return to Pittsburgh
The Steelers had placed the right of first refusal tender on Rodgers and were optimistic he would eventually join them, despite it taking until May for him to formally decide.
Rodgers, 42, signed with the Steelers last season following a tumultuous two years with the Jets. During his first season in Pittsburgh, Rodgers proved he can still play at a high level, going 10-7 as the team's starting quarterback while helping the Steelers win their first division title since 2020.
New Coaching Staff
The Steelers have undergone significant changes. Mike McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Rodgers in 2010, replaces Mike Tomlin as head coach. Tomlin stepped down one day after Pittsburgh's season-ending loss to the Texans in the AFC wild card round.
Roster Overhaul
Pittsburgh made several notable roster moves:
- Running back Kenneth Gainwell, a Rodgers favorite, signed with the Buccaneers in free agency
- The Steelers replaced him with Rico Dowdle, who just completed his second-straight 1,000-yard rushing season
- Signed former Colts receiver Michael Pittman
- Drafted rookie second-round pick Germie Bernard, Alabama's leading receiver the past two seasons
Both receivers should help limit double teams in pass coverage and make life easier for Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf.
Quarterback Room
During the draft, the Steelers selected former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round. The quarterback room also includes 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph.
2025 Season Review
Despite Pittsburgh's lack of weaponry at receiver last season—a weakness further magnified by Metcalf's two-game suspension—Rodgers helped the Steelers go 10-7 during the regular season.
He opened the season with a four-touchdown performance in a win over his former team, the Jets. Rodgers closed the regular season by throwing the game-winning touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III against the Ravens, sealing a division title and playoff spot.
Rodgers' lowlights included a Week 13 loss to the Bills, during which he sustained at least three fractures in his non-throwing (left) wrist. Despite the injury, he missed just one game.
Career Milestones
Rodgers passed former teammate Brett Favre for fourth all-time in touchdown passes. He is just 13 touchdown passes away from passing Peyton Manning for third on the all-time list.
Rodgers is fifth all-time with 66,274 passing yards, which is 5,564 yards behind Favre for fourth place.
He won four MVP awards from 2011-21 while cementing his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time.
Super Bowl Quest
Rodgers has yet to return to a Super Bowl, which remains the biggest blemish in an otherwise remarkable career. In 2026, Rodgers will try to climb the mountaintop once again.