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Aaron Rodgers Returns to Steelers on One-Year $22M Deal

5/17/2026

44 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Rodgers Returns

Aaron Rodgers returns to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 NFL season on a one-year contract.
The deal guarantees $22 million, can rise to $25 million with incentives, and reunites him with head coach Mike McCarthy.
In 2025 he posted 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, leading Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record and AFC North title.
He fractured his left wrist in the Week 13 loss to Buffalo but missed only one game.

Summary

Rodgers Tender

Steelers placed a UFA tender on quarterback Aaron Rodgers that could have earned a compensatory pick if he signed elsewhere before camp.
Rodgers’ $25 million 2026 contract would rank him ninth among NFL quarterbacks, behind Dak Prescott’s $60 million deal, and raises his career earnings to $395,812,794.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II expects a contract decision by the start of the NFL draft.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, free-agency activity triggered a quarterback exodus, with Detroit’s Rodney Peete joining the Dallas Cowboys and the Lions signing Miami backup Scott Mitchell after losing three QBs. Detroit finished 9–7 and reached the playoffs, while Barry Sanders rushed for 188 yards that season, showing early free-agency moves reshaping quarterback value.

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Rodgers Returns

Aaron Rodgers returns to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 NFL season on a one-year contract.
The deal guarantees $22 million, can rise to $25 million with incentives, and reunites him with head coach Mike McCarthy.
In 2025 he posted 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, leading Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record and AFC North title.
He fractured his left wrist in the Week 13 loss to Buffalo but missed only one game.

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