Aaron Rodgers returns to Steelers

Aaron Rodgers agreed to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract for his 22nd NFL season, according to NFL Network, ending months of uncertainty around the 42-year-old quarterback’s future. NFL Network reported on May 16 that the deal includes $22 million guaranteed and can reach $25 million with incentives. The report said Rodgers was expected to participate in organized team activities beginning Monday, May 18. The move keeps Rodgers in Pittsburgh for a second straight season and places him with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, his former head coach in Green Bay. ### How much is Rodgers’ new deal worth? NFL Network reported that Rodgers’ contract includes $22 million guaranteed and can rise to $25 million through incentives. That figure represents a raise from the one-year Steelers contract he signed in June 2025, which NFL Network previously reported was worth $13.65 million with $10 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $19.5 million. (nfl.com) USA Today and other outlets also reported the new agreement as a one-year deal worth up to $25 million. NFL Network said the contract was reached just before Pittsburgh’s May 18 start to organized team activities. ### Why is Mike McCarthy part of this story? Mike McCarthy became Steelers head coach in January after Mike Tomlin stepped down following the 2025 season, according to ESPN. (nfl.com) McCarthy coached Rodgers in Green Bay from 2006 through 2018, and ESPN reported in January and March that both men had spoken about a possible reunion in Pittsburgh. (usatoday.com) McCarthy said on March 24 that a reunion “would be a great story,” according to ESPN. At his introductory Pittsburgh news conference on January 27, McCarthy also said he had spoken with Rodgers and added, “It’d be great to have Aaron back.” ### How long had the Steelers been waiting for Rodgers’ decision? Omar Khan, the Steelers’ general manager, said on February 24 that the team wanted a faster answer than it got in 2025, when Rodgers did not sign until June 5. (africa.espn.com) Khan told reporters at the NFL combine that “neither side wants to have this drag on like it did last year,” while adding that Rodgers “knows how we feel.” (espn.com) Rodgers said on March 4 on “The Pat McAfee Show” that there was “no deadline” in front of him and “no contract offer or anything” at that point. NFL.com reported then that Rodgers had thrown for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025 while helping Pittsburgh win the AFC North. ### What does Pittsburgh’s quarterback room look like now? (espn.com) The Steelers’ current roster lists Rodgers alongside Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar at quarterback. Rudolph is the veteran backup on the roster, Howard is entering his second season after spending much of his rookie year on injured reserve, and Allar arrived as the 76th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. (nfl.com) Steelers.com reported that Allar was the only quarterback at rookie minicamp earlier this month, where McCarthy and his staff began working with the former Penn State passer. The team’s rookie minicamp coverage and roster page identify Allar as part of the current four-quarterback group entering the full offseason program. (steelers.com) ### When will Rodgers next be seen with the team? The Steelers said their organized team activities begin on May 18 and run through June 12, with a mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 2-4. NFL Network reported Rodgers is expected to participate in OTAs on Monday and through the rest of the offseason program. Pittsburgh’s next public markers are those OTA sessions and the June minicamp, where Rodgers, McCarthy and the rest of the quarterback group are set to be on the field together. (steelers.com 1) (steelers.com 2)