“He’s not Tom Brady” – Aaron Rodgers Reuniting with Mike McCarthy at 42 Triggers Mixed Reactions From Fans

Rodgers is guaranteed $22 million and could earn up to $25 million depending on the outcome of the 2026 season. It’s a similar arrangement to last year when Rodgers earned about $13 million.

“He’s not Tom Brady” – Aaron Rodgers Reuniting with Mike McCarthy at 42 Triggers Mixed Reactions From Fans

Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Aaron Rodgers has signed a one-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers worth up to $25 million.
  • The deal guarantees Rodgers $22 million and includes performance-based incentives.
  • Reactions from fans are mixed, with some expressing excitement and others skepticism about his return at age 42.

Aaron Rodgers is a Pittsburgh Steeler once again. According to Adam Schefter and Gerry Dulac, the veteran quarterback agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Steelers, which sets him up for his 22nd season in the NFL.

In early May, the Steelers put a tender on Rodgers. It gave the Steelers first rights if Rodgers decided to return. Upon his return, Rodgers would get a 10% raise on his 2025 salary.

Under the new deal, Rodgers is guaranteed $22 million and could earn up to $25 million depending on the outcome of the 2026 season. It’s a similar arrangement to last year when Rodgers earned about $13 million.

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Fans on social media react to Aaron Rodgers agreeing to a new deal with the Steelers

The Steelers had been waiting to hear back from Rodgers ever since the end of last campaign. In the meantime, they hired Mike McCarthy as head coach.

"He's not Tom Brady" - Aaron Rodgers Reuniting With Mike McCarthy at 42 Triggers Mixed Reactions From Fans
Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

Rodgers and McCarthy worked together at the Green Bay Packers, where they won a Super Bowl. McCarthy’s presence only pointed to Rodgers’ return. McCarthy kept in touch with the four-time league MVP through all this.

However, after the Steelers drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, analysts and critics suspected that Rodgers’ window had closed. But the 42-year-old is back for another year, generating mixed bag reactions from the football fraternity.

According to Dulac, Rodgers had been in Pittsburgh for the past two weeks. But did not meet with the Steelers or attend phase one of the minicamp. Rodgers sent his agent to the facility to negotiate the new deal.

How was Aaron Rodgers’ 2025 season with the Steelers?

Rodgers’ career looked all but over after the New York Jets cut him following a couple of disastrous seasons. Rodgers entered free agency for the first time in his career, with teams such as the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and the Steelers fighting to recruit his services.

Rodgers personally viewed the Vikings as the most well-equipped team to win a ring. The pushback came from the Vikings’ coaching team, who picked second-year man JJ McCarthy over the 42-year-old signal caller.

The Giants had already given up any hope of luring Rodgers back to the Big Apple, leaving the Steelers to make their move. After signing a one-year deal, Rodgers thanked Mike Tomlin for giving him the chance to lead a historic franchise like the Steelers.

Rodgers played 16 games in 2025. He completed 327 passes for 3322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Pittsburgh finished 10-7, won the AFC North, and qualified for the wildcard round.

In the playoffs, they met the Houston Texans. Houston’s top three defenders made life hell for Rodgers and the Steelers. Rodgers completed just 17 passes from 33 attempts for 146 yards and a pick-six.

Following the exit, Tomlin stepped down from his position, leaving Rodgers and the other Steelers players in a state of shock.

I’m not going to make any emotional decisions. Obviously, [Matt LaFleur] has done a lot of great things in Green Bay, and we had a lot of success. [Tomlin] has had more success than damn near anybody in the league for the last 19, 20 years.

Rodgers said

Tomlin accepted an analyst’s role with NBC Sports, and he will return to Acrisure Stadium when the Steelers play the Texans on December 6.

The Steelers have drawn the 19th toughest schedule in 2026. They will kick off the preseason by welcoming the Packers to their backyard and the Atlanta Falcons in week one of the regular season.

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