Aaron Rodgers arrives at the Steelers' facility to sign his 1-year deal

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on May 18, 2026

Published in Football

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PITTSBURGH — It had been a long time since Aaron Rodgers was back at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ facility on the South Side.

But he ended his absence Monday morning when he showed up to sign his one-year contract that is worth up to $25 million. Rodgers never cleaned out his locker after the 2025 season, so it likely felt as though he never left.

Rodgers was on the field for OTAs on Monday and is ready to get to work with Mike McCarthy, his coach for 13 seasons in Green Bay.

“He made a couple great throws, and I was like, ‘Wow, I’m really playing with Aaron,’” new wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said. “It’s great. I get to play with another Hall of Fame quarterback.”

His reference was to Philip Rivers, whom he played with in Indianapolis.

Rodgers, who will be 43 in December, agreed to a one-year deal on Saturday to return for his 22nd season and second with the Steelers. His contract is guaranteed for $22 million with up to an additional $3 million in incentives.

Aside from quarterbacks on their rookie contracts, the total value of Rodgers’ deal ranks 17th in the NFL among the position.

“It’s awesome having him back,” outside linebacker Alex Highsmith said. “He’s a mysterious guy. He’s not much into social media. That’s just who he is. He’s a great dude.”

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