Steelers sign Aaron Rodgers to one-year deal as OTAs open

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year contract Monday, turning last weekend’s reported agreement into a completed deal as the team opens organized team activities.

The move was announced May 18 in the team’s official release on Steelers.com, two days after reports said Rodgers had agreed to terms with Pittsburgh. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the agreement on May 16, and The Associated Press also reported a one-year deal, citing people familiar with the agreement.

The Steelers did not disclose financial terms. NFL Network, ESPN and other major outlets reported the contract is worth about $22 million guaranteed and could rise to $25 million with incentives. Pelissero also reported Rodgers was expected to practice Monday when OTAs begin and remain with the team through the spring.

Rodgers is returning for his second season in Pittsburgh after originally signing with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in 2025. His return preserves continuity at quarterback for a team coming off the 2025 AFC North title.

In its release, the team said Rodgers completed 327 of 498 passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season while missing one game because of injury. The Steelers framed the new deal as a continuation rather than a reset, keeping in place the quarterback who led them through last year’s division-winning campaign.

The signing also brings Rodgers back together with head coach Mike McCarthy, who was hired by Pittsburgh in January. The two previously worked together in Green Bay, giving the Steelers’ new coach an experienced quarterback already familiar with his approach.

Rodgers, a four-time Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player, entered the signing with 66,274 career passing yards and 527 touchdown passes, according to the team release. Those credentials help explain why the Steelers prioritized getting the deal finalized before spring work ramps up, even after the agreement had already been widely reported.

Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth praised Rodgers in the team release, saying, “He’s extremely focused and locked in... His football IQ is off the charts. What he’s able to process and see on a play-by-play basis, between plays, it really is uncanny.”

If Pelissero’s report holds, Rodgers’ first on-field step in his second Pittsburgh season will come immediately: “Aaron Rodgers is expected to practice Monday when OTAs begin and through the rest of the spring. He’s in.”