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Aaron Rodgers Will Return to Steelers for One Final Season Under Mike McCarthy

Securing Pittsburgh’s 2026 starter, the one-year deal creates urgent questions about succession and the depth-chart ahead of the season.

Overview

  • Rodgers signed a reported one-year deal worth about $22 million with incentives up to roughly $25 million and told reporters on May 20–21 that 2026 will be his final NFL season.
  • The move reunites Rodgers with coach Mike McCarthy after Rodgers says he encouraged GM Omar Khan to interview McCarthy during the coaching search.
  • Prominent analysts have sharply criticized Pittsburgh’s months-long wait for Rodgers and questioned whether a 42-year-old passer who declined last season is the best short-term choice.
  • Rodgers’ arrival leaves a crowded quarterback room and an early roster fight for two backup slots among Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar, with early OTAs showing shifting reps and competition.
  • The deal lets the Steelers pursue a win-now roster construction but delays a clear answer at quarterback for 2027, and Rodgers has said he does not plan to pursue a TV career after retiring.