Aaron Rodgers is back. Again.
The four-time NFL MVP has decided to return for a 22nd season in the league, re-signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to multiple reports.
Rodgers is signing a one-year contract. The deal – which is yet to be finalized – is expected to be worth up to $25 million with a base salary between $22 and $23 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Advertisement
Schefter also reports Rodgers is expected to join the Steelers for their voluntary offseason practice sessions, which begin Monday, May 18.
The agreement represents a change of heart for Rodgers, who previously said that he was “pretty sure” the 2025 season would be his last before retirement.
“I’m pretty sure this is it (my last season),” Rodgers said on June 24, 2025. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything. This was really about finishing with love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had. I played 20 freaking years. It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it. What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL?”
That tune began to change throughout the quarterback’s first season in Pittsburgh. He had plenty of positive things to say about the experience, when he helped the Steelers win the AFC North for the first time since 2020.
Advertisement
Following a wild-card round loss to the Houston Texans, Rodgers didn’t entertain the retirement discussion.
“I’m not gonna make any emotional decisions,” Rodgers said after the game. “Disappointed, you know, obviously, such a fun year. A lot of adversity, but a lot of fun. Been a great year overall in my life in the last year, and this is a really good part of that, being a part of this team. So it’s disappointing to be sitting here.”
However, there would be a changing of the guard elsewhere in Pittsburgh. Head coach Mike Tomlin announced he would be stepping down as head coach after 19 seasons. The Steelers opted to hire Pittsburgh-native and former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach, Mike McCarthy to replace Tomlin.
McCarthy’s previous coaching experience with Rodgers in Green Bay indicated to many that the door wasn’t closed on the quarterback’s return.
Advertisement
Turns out, it was wide open.
Aaron Rodgers contract details
Rodgers is expected to play the 2026 season on a one-year deal worth up to $25 million. His base salary is expected to be between $22 and $23 million with “up to a few million more in incentives,” according to Schefter.
It isn’t clear how much of Rodgers’ deal will be guaranteed or what his cap hit will be for the 2026 NFL season.
Aaron Rodgers career earnings
Rodgers has made $395,812,794 in his career, according to OverTheCap. The quarterback has collected checks from the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in his first 21 seasons.
Advertisement
Here’s the salary breakdown by team:
-
Green Bay Packers: $306,642,206
-
New York Jets: $75,050,000
-
Pittsburgh Steelers: $14,120,588
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here’s what to know about Aaron Rodgers’ new contract with Steelers
