Aaron Rodgers announced this would be his final NFL season, a move Tom Pelissero says is a deliberate motivational tactic to rally his teammates for a last run, potentially aided by a reunion with coach Mike McCarthy.
The Steelers brought back Aaron Rodgers for 2026 to mentor young QBs Will Howard and Drew Allar. A broadcaster quoted former Steelers coach Danny Smith saying Howard isn’t ready to start and would benefit from Rodgers’ tutelage, with Rodgers intending to help both young QBs as he finishes his career. Preseason reps will help gauge readiness, with the goal of having one of the young quarterbacks start next season rather than rushing them.
Aaron Rodgers says he was close to returning to the Steelers after seeing their offseason makeover—adding an offensive lineman, a slot receiver, and veteran additions like Michael Pittman Jr., plus defensive players Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker—while staying in touch with Mike McCarthy. His decision came after evaluating health (he played through a wrist injury last season) and feeling the team’s new direction aligned with his readiness and the coaching staff, making this return feel like a net positive.
The Steelers re-signed Aaron Rodgers and have upgraded their receiving corps with Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Germie Bernard, fueling optimism from Colin Cowherd about a potential playoff push and AFC North contention. With Mike McCarthy leading the offense, Pittsburgh aims to capitalize on a stronger surrounding cast after last year’s division title, though it remains uncertain how much Rodgers will improve the 2026 offense.
Packers Insider Inbox fans react to Aaron Rodgers’ announced final season, expressing excitement for a potential storybook ending and weighing Green Bay’s 2026 outlook, including key schedule stretches (Weeks 5–8), cornerback depth gains, and other team storylines as the club moves forward.
Rodgers said 2026 will be his final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, launching a Derek Jeter–style farewell tour that's unusual for a franchise quarterback; while it could draw significant attention and impact late-season decisions, it also leaves open whether he retires or continues to play elsewhere after 2026.
Aaron Rodgers announced that his 2026 NFL season will be his final one, after re-signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second year. He said the move was influenced by the Steelers’ hire of Mike McCarthy, reflecting on his Green Bay years and expressing excitement about the team’s weapons as OTAs continue.
Aaron Rodgers, 42, will return for one more season with the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring after the 2026 campaign, saying conversations with coach Mike McCarthy, owner Omar Khan, and his wife Brittani helped shape the decision. In 2026 he threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns to help Pittsburgh reach the playoffs.
Aaron Rodgers announced that the 2026 season will be his last, after signing a one‑year deal to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 42-year-old quarterback, a four-time MVP and four-time Super Bowl winner, ends a storied career highlighted by elite passer ratings and a legendary stint in Green Bay, with Steelers coach Mike McCarthy’s return influencing his decision to come back before stepping away after 2026.
Former NFL QB Cody Kessler predicts Aaron Rodgers will have a better year in Pittsburgh in 2026 thanks to a stronger relationship with Mike McCarthy and the Steelers’ improved roster, even though Rodgers won’t be the same high-volume passer he was in Green Bay. With upgrades at wide receiver and a more balanced offense, Pittsburgh will rely on better efficiency and lower turnovers rather than Rodgers carrying the unit; Rodgers posted 3,322 yards and 24 TD with 7 INT in 16 games in 2025, but his 2018 peak numbers aren’t expected to return, making consistency the key.
Steeler offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio praised Aaron Rodgers’ enduring elite arm talent at 42, highlighting his quick release and sharp downfield throws—including a TD pass to DK Metcalf and a strike to Pat Freiermuth—while noting his mobility has waned; Angelichio, who coached Rodgers in Green Bay, is now orchestrating Pittsburgh’s offense.
Rodgers and the Steelers reportedly settled 2026 money long before, agreeing to a one-year, $22 million guaranteed deal with up to $25 million in incentives; money wasn’t the hold-up, per Dulac and Schefter, as Rodgers weighed his options and prepared to return to football with familiar coaches.
Rodgers arrived at the Steelers facility to sign his one-year deal and, per an update, participated in the opening day of OTAs on Monday. OTAs run over about two weeks with a minicamp in early June; coach Mike McCarthy previously said he wouldn’t mind if Rodgers sat out some OTAs to help the Steelers evaluate their quarterback room. The report also notes Rodgers’ early OTAs throws to Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf, per Brooke Pryor, though those names are unusual for this Steelers storyline.
Aaron Rodgers reported for the Pittsburgh Steelers' first day of OTAs, signaling he’s back with the team. Linebacker Payton Wilson said he was “a little shocked” to see Rodgers at the facility, a moment that underscores Rodgers’ commitment to helping Pittsburgh push beyond the wild-card round as he moves into what could be his final Steelers season.
Aaron Rodgers is officially back with the Pittsburgh Steelers for his 22nd NFL season, fueling optimism as the team pairs his veteran leadership with a strengthened 2026 roster featuring Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard and a boosted offensive line while Drew Allar remains the long-term plan. Rodgers posted 3,322 yards, 24 TDs and 7 INT in 2025, and the defense gives Pittsburgh reason to believe they can contend as OTAs begin and teammates rave about Rodgers’ presence.