Aaron Rodgers returns: Quarterback reunites with Mike McCarthy, Steelers for 22nd season in NFL
Rodgers is set to return to Pittsburgh for another season.
Aaron Rodgers has decided to run it back in 2026 ... in multiple ways. Rodgers will reportedly reunite with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 NFL season on a one-year deal, according to multiple reports.
With the move, Rodgers will also reunite with Mike McCarthy , who was Rodgers’ head coach for 13 seasons when both men were with the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers is reportedly expected to report to Steelers’ OTAs, which begin on Monday. Rodgers' return — to the NFL, the Steelers and to McCarthy — was far from guaranteed.
The long-time veteran has flirted with retirement for multiple offseasons now, and there was no guarantee he would want to suit up for a 22nd NFL season. When former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin decided to step down , it seemed even more likely Rodgers would ride off into the sunset, or at least try to latch on with a different franchise if he wanted to keep playing. Tomlin was reportedly a major reason Rodgers signed with the Steelers ahead of the 2025 season.
With Tomlin gone, it felt like the team was also acknowledging that Rodgers was gone, too. The hiring of McCarthy, however, apparently opened the door for a reunion. When asked about Rodgers, McCarthy had nothing but good things to say about his former quarterback.