Running It Back: Steelers And Aaron Rodgers Now Officially Teaming Up Again In 2026

It was pretty odd for Pittsburgh Steelers fans to see Aaron Rodgers wearing the Black and Gold in 2025. No one exactly knew what to expect when he put pen to paper just prior to mandatory minicamp, but the team went on to win the AFC North and hosted a home postseason matchup. The end result was not what anybody wanted; however, the 42-year-old certainly enjoyed his time in the Steel City more than he did when he played for the New York Jets. That simple fact has had plenty wondering if he would run it back for one more season with the organization.

Pittsburgh has been stuck in somewhat of a quarterback purgatory ever since Ben Roethlisberger hung up his cleats following the 2021 campaign. There has been a lot of patchwork done at the position, rather than investing in a long-term solution. Kenny Pickett was taken in the first round back in 2022, but he was gone just two years later.

For 2026, a lot of fans have speculated about what the Steelers should do. Rodgers himself was very unclear about his intentions during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show recently; however, as it turns out, the veteran is ready to give it another go in the Steel City after months of drama. Per multiple reports, the franchise and future Hall of Famer are running it back for another year.

Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025. That stat line was respectable enough for the team to want him back, but it went beyond just any box scores. The veteran displayed true leadership throughout the year and the players in the locker room enjoyed him being around. 

The deal for Rodgers isn't a weak one either. He has received a significant pay bump compared to what he was playing for with the franchise when he signed in June of 2025.

It would appear as if a second shot at things for Rodgers would only help with continuity for the offense as a whole, especially now that Mike Tomlin won't be around and an offensive-minded coach is running the show.

There has been a ton of criticism that has headed in the direction of the veteran, specifically because he has never been a fan of voluntary offseason workouts. Now. he appears to be committed to preparing for a long season.

The Steelers still won't have an easy task repeating as AFC North champions. There has been turnover occurring all throughout the division, and it's hard to guess exactly what will happen moving forward. The good news for Pittsburgh is that for the first time in several seasons, it's looking like, barring something unforeseen happening, the franchise will have the same starting quarterback in back-to-back season openers.

Steelers Now Tasked With Figuring It Out On Offense

Pittsburgh has been behind the eight ball when it comes to firepower on offense. The unit has struggled with consistency for years. With Mike McCarthy now running the show, it will be expected that the organization invest immediately to help Rodgers throughout his second campaign with the Steelers.

The front office had money to spend, and went out to get Michael Pittman Jr. Rookie Germie Bernard should also be a factor, so the year in the Steel City is officially about winning, and not tanking for the future.

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