Aaron Rodgers is gearing up for his 22nd season in the NFL.
Multiple reports on Saturday indicate that the 42-year-old quarterback has signed a one-year contract to return to the Steelers.
He mentioned, as reported by ESPN, that he will participate in voluntary off-season practice sessions starting Monday.
This not only brings him back to Pittsburgh for a second season but also reunites him with Mike McCarthy, his former coach with the Packers, who now heads the Steelers.
While waiting on Rodgers’ decision, Pittsburgh drafted Drew Aller, a quarterback from Penn State, in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
McCarthy clarified that this draft pick was not influenced by Rodgers’ choice.
The Steelers recently replaced longtime coach Mike Tomlin with McCarthy, who expressed excitement about working with Rodgers again, given their successful history together in Green Bay.
“I don’t see why not,” McCarthy stated during his introductory press conference, according to ESPN. “I watched many Pittsburgh games on TV and thought he was a fantastic addition.”
Despite expectations he might retire, there was speculation that Rodgers, who turns 43 in December, would continue playing with the Steelers.
Last June, when he signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal, Rodgers suggested on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he believed this season might be his final one.
“Oh, it has to be this one,” he noted. “That’s why we went for a one-year deal. The Steelers didn’t need to tie me down with extra years. This is about closing out my career in a positive way.”
Reflecting on his lengthy career, he remarked, “Twenty years have gone by so fast. I’ve really enjoyed it here, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to wrap things up with such a storied franchise.”
Last season, Rodgers played in 16 games, throwing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns, helping Pittsburgh achieve a 10-6 record during his tenure.
The Steelers’ playoff journey ended abruptly with a tough 30-6 defeat to the Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round.
In that game, Rodgers recorded 147 passing yards, one interception, and was sacked four times.
“It’s disappointing,” he expressed to reporters post-game. “It’s been a fun year, despite the challenges. Overall, last year was one of the best of my life.”
He added, “Being part of this team has been a highlight, but it’s tough to end the season like this.”
