Aaron Rodgers headed to Pittsburgh, expected to play for Steelers in 2026
Mercurial quarterback Aaron Rodgers is on his way to Pittsburgh and is expected to sign a contract to play in 2026, according to multiple sources.
On Thursday, May 7, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared the news on X. It was first reported by Pittsburgh radio station 93.7 The Fan.
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“This is not a drill. This is real. Aaron Rodgers expected to be in town tonight with the expectation of him signing this weekend,” The Fan host Adam Crowley said.
Uncertain future for Steelers
The 42-year-old Rodgers led the Steelers to a 10-7 record and an AFC North title in 2025. He passed for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Pittsburgh fell 30-6 to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card playoffs.
Rodgers, a four-time MVP, played on a one-year, $13.65 million contract last season. On April 28, the Steelers placed a seldom-used unrestricted free-agent tender on Rodgers. The tender allows Rodgers to accept a 10 percent raise while giving the Steelers draft compensation if he signs elsewhere.
To add even more intrigue to the situation, longtime Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly claimed Thursday morning the Steelers are unaware of Rodgers’ visit.
If he returns, Rodgers will reunite with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy. The pair teamed up for 11 seasons in Green Bay with Rodgers as the starter and won the Super Bowl after the 2010 campaign.
Rodgers ranks fifth all-time in career passing yards (66.274), fourth in career passing touchdowns (527) and tied for first in career passer rating (102.2).
Unsure of Rodgers’ return, Pittsburgh drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Allar joins Will Howard and Mason Rudolph in the quarterback room.
