Aaron Rodgers returning to Steelers for 2026 season
Aaron Rodgers returning to Steelers for 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season, league sources confirmed to The Athletic, giving the franchise another year with the future Hall of Fame quarterback under center.
After months of uncertainty surrounding his future and speculation about retirement, Rodgers and Pittsburgh are set to run it back following a season that delivered both stability and flashes of vintage production. Rodgers arrived in Pittsburgh in 2025 on a one-year deal after a lengthy free-agency process and quickly became a central figure in the Steelers ’ offense. While questions lingered about how much the 42-year-old had left, he answered many of them by helping guide Pittsburgh to an AFC North title and returning the team to playoff contention.
Reports earlier in the offseason suggested many players inside the organization favored his return. Statistically, Rodgers produced a solid campaign in his first season with the Steelers. He threw for 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions in 2025 while posting a 44.
4 Total QBR. He ranked 15th in passing yards and tied for 12th in interceptions among qualified quarterbacks. Championship expectations rise for 2026 His season included several standout moments, including a memorable Steelers debut against his former team, the New York Jets , when Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in a dramatic comeback victory.
The decision to return signals continuity for a Steelers team that found consistency at quarterback after years of searching for a long-term answer following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. Though Rodgers is entering his 22nd NFL season, Pittsburgh clearly believes there is still enough left in his arm — and in its championship window — to make another push in 2026. Now the focus shifts from uncertainty to expectations.