After speculation and wondering what he will decided for his career, quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to the Steelers in 2026.
After passing on quarterback in free agency and selecting one in the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers needed an answer from Aaron Rodgers regarding the 2026 season. They now have that answer. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Rodgers will return to the Steel City on a one-year deal.
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Rodgers will enter his 22nd NFL season and his second with the Steelers. After a generally successful year under head coach Mike Tomlin, he will now officially reunite with Mike McCarthy. The four-time NFL MVP will return to the Steel City to seek another Super Bowl championship.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 12, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Never a doubt?
The Steelers have made it clear they welcomed Rodgers’ return. Reports linked the two sides throughout the offseason, and McCarthy publicly expressed his eagerness to bring the veteran quarterback back to Pittsburgh.
“Definitely. I don’t see why you wouldn’t,” McCarthy said at his introductory press conference when asked about wanting Rodgers on his team. “I have spoken to Aaron, so that’s really where we are there.”
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Since then, McCarthy has remained in consistent contact with the four-time NFL MVP. Rodgers also appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he indicated that nothing was imminent one way or another. That changed this week as he agreed to return.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026,. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers remained in limbo but stayed patient with Rodgers once again. Nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career, he needed time to decide what to do in 2026 and beyond. He could have retired or sought a new team to continue his playing career. The Steelers even prepared incase he decided to sign with another team by placing the a rare right of first refusal tender on him.
Instead, Rodgers returns to the Steelers for what could be one final run at a Super Bowl. The last time Rodgers—or McCarthy—hoisted the Lombardi Trophy came during the 2010 season, when their Green Bay Packers defeated Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV.
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The pair now reunite with a chance to capture a second Super Bowl ring together—this time in McCarthy’s hometown. It could become a storybook ending to Rodgers’ Hall of Fame career.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: BREAKING: Aaron Rodgers Returning to Steelers for 2026 Season
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