Aaron Rodgers returns for final Steelers season

Aaron Rodgers is back with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season, ending months of uncertainty around the team’s quarterback plans. The 42-year-old said on Wednesday that the coming season will be his last, according to Sports Illustrated. Pittsburgh’s offseason calendar means the move lands in the middle of Organized Team Activities, with more spring work still ahead before mandatory minicamp in early June. ### When did Rodgers say this would be his last season? Rodgers told reporters on Wednesday that “this is it” when he was asked whether 2026 would be his final NFL campaign, Sports Illustrated reported. The remark came in his first media availability after deciding to re-sign with Pittsburgh on a one-year deal. Sports Illustrated’s Steelers coverage described the season as a retirement tour for the four-time MVP. (si.com) Rodgers had already been widely viewed as nearing the end of his career after returning to Pittsburgh for another year. ### What do the contract terms look like? Rodgers signed a one-year contract with incentive money tied to team results, according to multiple reports summarizing the deal. (si.com) Steelers Wire reported that the contract includes $2.5 million in incentives, all tied to playoff wins. Steelers Depot, citing Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, reported that the deal also includes two $250,000 roster bonuses, one due on Aug. 7 and another in Week 1. Sporting News reported the incentive structure includes $625,000 for each playoff victory. ### Why does the timing matter for Pittsburgh’s spring program? (steelerswire.usatoday.com) The Steelers’ official offseason schedule shows OTAs began on May 18 and run through June 12. The remaining OTA dates are May 26, May 28-29, June 8-9 and June 11-12, with mandatory minicamp set for June 2-4. Steelers Now reported that Pittsburgh will hold six OTA sessions before mandatory minicamp and four after it. (steelersdepot.com) The spring work is being held at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex and is closed to the public. ### How is this offseason different from last year’s setup? The Steelers’ 2026 program is larger because teams with new head coaches can hold an additional voluntary veteran minicamp, according to Steelers.com. (steelers.com) Mike McCarthy is in his first season as Pittsburgh’s head coach, and the team scheduled a voluntary minicamp on April 20-22 before the draft. (steelersnow.com) Steelers Depot reported that Pittsburgh used only six of its 10 allowed OTA practices last year, while this year’s schedule uses the full allotment. That gives Rodgers more on-field work with McCarthy and the offense before training camp. That last point is an inference from the expanded schedule and Rodgers’ participation timing, not a team statement. (steelers.com) ### What comes next on the calendar? Pittsburgh’s mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 2-4, according to the team’s official offseason release. The final OTA sessions after minicamp are set for June 8, June 9, June 11 and June 12. Steelers Now reported that the team is expected to reconvene for training camp at St. Vincent College in late July after the spring program ends. (steelersdepot.com) For now, the next concrete dates in Rodgers’ final season are the remaining OTA practices and the June minicamp in Pittsburgh. (steelersnow.com) (steelers.com)