Aaron Rodgers finally agrees to deal with Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers finally agrees to deal with Steelers

By Adam Gretz | Last updated May 16, 2026 8:18 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers has finally made his decision. He is back and will not only be re-joining the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 NFL season, but he will also be reuniting with his former head coach, Mike McCarthy.

According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter on Saturday evening, Rodgers and the Steelers agreed to a one-year deal, ending months of speculation on whether or not he would return for one more season.

Aaron Rodgers joins the Steelers earlier than he did a year ago

While the drama surrounding Rodgers' return seemed to be more uncertain than it was a year ago, if there is one positive the Steelers can take away from this, it is the fact that he is going to be joining the team earlier in the offseason than he did a year ago.

Rodgers did not finally sign with the Steelers until the team's mandatory minicamp in June last year.

He is signing in mid-May this year and will be with the team for its voluntary minicamp that begins on Monday.

According to Schefter, Rodgers' contract could be worth up to $25 million.

Compensation update: Aaron Rodgers is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $25 million, per sources. The deal is expected to include a base salary between $22 and $23 million, with up to a few million more in incentives.

The deal still needs to be finalized and signed. https://t.co/jzndq6HNM3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 17, 2026

Given the number of new players the Steelers have on their offense, including veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie wide receivers Germie Bernard (second-round) and Kaden Wetjen (fourth-round pick), those extra reps and extra weeks together can make a big difference.

The anticipation around Rogers' decision started to reach a boiling point over the past couple of weeks as rumors began to swirl about him being in Pittsburgh, but with no confirmation on whether or not he had actually spoken with the team or what his decision was going to be on playing.

He was spotted in the city on Friday night getting ice cream with several teammates.

Rodgers spent the 2025 season with the Steelers, with the team going 10-7 and winning the AFC North. Rodgers had some moments that showed some of his Hall of Fame form, but he also showed his age at times and was unable to be a true difference-maker in the offense. The Steelers continued their postseason losing streak with an ugly home loss to the Houston Texans.

Now he gets to run it back with the Steelers, but this time with McCarthy on the sidelines instead of Mike Tomlin.

Rodgers spent 11 seasons as the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback under McCarthy's watch, including a 2010 Super Bowl win against the Steelers.

Now they are teaming up together in Pittsburgh in an attempt to win one with the Steelers.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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