Rodgers Signs with Steelers for Final Season, Reunites with McCarthy

Aaron Rodgers, 42, has signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 NFL season, vowing it will be his last.

Contract and Arrival

Rodgers signed the one-year contract on Saturday, May 17, and reported to the team facility on Monday, May 19, for the first day of OTAs. The agreement was reached after a period of public uncertainty regarding his plans for the 2026 season. The Steelers placed an unrestricted free agent tender on Rodgers to retain his rights.

This marks the second consecutive season the team will have the same starting quarterback, a situation not seen since Ben Roethlisberger in 2020-2021.

The deal, announced prior to the start of organized team activities (OTAs) on May 18, includes a guaranteed base amount of $22 million and can reach up to $25 million with incentives.

Reunion with Mike McCarthy

Rodgers cited the hiring of Mike McCarthy as Steelers head coach in February as a significant factor in his decision to return. McCarthy replaced Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after 19 seasons.

Rodgers and McCarthy previously worked together for 13 seasons (2006-2018) with the Green Bay Packers, winning Super Bowl XLV. Rodgers stated he suggested McCarthy as a coaching candidate to Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and described the reunion as "surreal."

"They’ll be at each other’s throats and fighting in no time."
— Unverified report from a source familiar with both individuals, relayed by journalist Tyler Dunne

These claims represent a single unverified viewpoint.

2026 Season Announcement

On Wednesday, May 21, Rodgers publicly announced that the 2026 season will be his last in the NFL. He made the declaration during his first public comments since signing the contract. Rodgers described the upcoming season as a farewell tour.

2025 Season Performance and Team Context

In the 2025 season, Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He led the Steelers to an AFC North title and a 10-7 record. The team lost in the wild-card round to the Houston Texans. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since January 2017.

Offseason Roster Moves

The Steelers made several offensive additions during the offseason:

Wide Receivers

• Acquired DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. (via trade)
• Drafted Germie Bernard

Offensive Line

• Selected tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round of the draft
• Added Gennings Dunker and Brock Hoffman

Running Backs

• Signed Rico Dowdle

Quarterbacks

• The Steelers drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft
• The quarterback room also includes Mason Rudolph and Will Howard

Team Schedule

• Voluntary OTAs — Began on May 18
• Mandatory minicamp — Scheduled for June 2-4
• Training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe — Set to begin in late July