PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for another season. Two people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the four-time NFL MVP agreed to a one-year deal on Saturday, ending a lengthy decision-making process. The individuals spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been officially announced.
Rodgers' Impact Last Season
The 42-year-old quarterback led Pittsburgh to an AFC North title last year, throwing for 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He appeared to relish playing for a franchise with deep football traditions, similar to his earlier career with the Green Bay Packers. Now, he will be a Steeler for his 22nd season, which may be his last.
Reunion with Mike McCarthy
Rodgers will reunite with former Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who was hired to lead the Steelers in January after Mike Tomlin stepped down following 19 seasons. Rodgers and McCarthy spent 13 years together in Green Bay, where Rodgers became a superstar after becoming the starting quarterback in 2008. During that time, the Packers won Super Bowl XLV, and Rodgers earned two of his four MVP awards under McCarthy's guidance.
The dynamic will be similar in Pittsburgh, though both player and coach are at different stages of their careers. This is likely Rodgers' final season, and the 64-year-old McCarthy is probably ending his coaching journey near his hometown of Greenfield, Pennsylvania.
Delayed Decision
The Steelers made it clear they wanted Rodgers back, but artificial deadlines—first the start of free agency in March, then the NFL draft in April—passed without a deal. The club placed an unrestricted free agent tender on Rodgers, a procedural move that gave Pittsburgh protection if he signed elsewhere before training camp. It is unclear if there was a market for Rodgers, but it does not matter now. A year ago, he joined the Steelers in early June and quickly embraced the experience, earning praise from teammates for his leadership and commitment.
Quarterback Room Expansion
Rodgers joins a quarterback room that grew while he deliberated. The Steelers drafted Penn State's Drew Allar in the third round, joining veteran Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, a sixth-round pick in 2025. Allar and Howard are long-term projects, and Rodgers' presence will give them time to develop while learning from a quarterback who backed up Hall of Famer Brett Favre before taking over in Green Bay.
Offseason Additions
Pittsburgh also added receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard in the offseason. The trade for Pittman and the drafting of Bernard could provide Rodgers with more big-play options after teams focused on stopping DK Metcalf last year.
Timeline for Return
While the question was not if Rodgers would re-sign but when, it is uncertain when he will take the field with teammates. Pittsburgh begins organized team activities on May 18. OTAs are typically voluntary but important under a new coach. However, Rodgers' familiarity with McCarthy's offense and the chance to give Allar and Howard reps mean Rodgers could stay in Malibu, California, until mandatory minicamp from June 2-4. Either way, when training camp starts at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe in late July, Rodgers will lead the starters with the goal of returning to the playoffs and securing the franchise's first postseason win in a decade.
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AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.
