According to multiple reports, Aaron Rodgers has agreed to a one-year contract worth $22 million guaranteed, with the potential to earn up to $25 million with incentives. The four-time NFL MVP will return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for his 22nd season in the league and second with the team.
Key Takeaways
Aaron Rodgers has agreed to a one-year contract worth $22 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time NFL MVP will return for his 22nd season in the league and second with the team, reuniting with former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy.
- Rodgers' deal is worth $22 million guaranteed, potentially up to $25 million with incentives
- This will be Rodgers' final season before retirement
- Rodgers expressed excitement about playing his last season for a team that has upgraded its offense significantly over the offseason
The deal reunites Rodgers with former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who was hired by the Steelers after Mike Tomlin stepped down following 19 seasons. Rodgers and McCarthy spent 13 years together in Green Bay, where they won a Super Bowl and earned two of Rodgers' four MVPs.
Rodgers made his intentions clear that this will be his final season before retirement. The 42-year-old quarterback acknowledged the significance of reuniting with McCarthy as a major factor in his decision to return for one last season, calling it 'surreal'.
The Steelers had applied an unrestricted free-agent tender on Rodgers, which would have entitled the team to a compensatory draft pick if he signed with another team. The team's offseason workouts are scheduled to begin on May 18, with mandatory minicamp from June 2-4.
Rodgers made a surprise appearance at the start of voluntary organized team activities (OTAs), jogging out in a white No. 8 jersey shortly after finalizing his one-year deal. Linebacker Payton Wilson admitted he was 'shocked' to see Rodgers on the practice field, calling it 'awesome' to have him back. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., acquired in an offseason trade with Indianapolis, worked out with Rodgers once before and expressed hope that their session might have influenced his decision.
Rodgers joins a quarterback room that includes rookie Drew Allar and veterans Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. The Steelers also added receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard in the offseason, providing Rodgers with more big-play options. While it's uncertain when he might take the field with his teammates, Rodgers is expected to lead the Steelers back to the playoffs while eyeing the franchise’s first postseason victory in a decade.
Rodgers expressed excitement about playing his last season for a team that has upgraded its offense significantly over the offseason. He praised the additions of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., running back Rico Dowdle, and wideout Germie Bernard, as well as improvements on the offensive line with Troy Fautanu moving to left tackle.
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