Aaron Rodgers’ Return to the Steelers
On Saturday night, the NFL world was surprised when Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers announced his return for his 22nd season. This decision brings him back to Pittsburgh, where he will reunite with head coach Mike McCarthy, the same coach who led him to his only Super Bowl victory in Green Bay in 2010.
As the current oldest player in the league, Rodgers is set to be the team’s Week 1 starter, a testament to his enduring performance and the lack of viable alternatives. Despite being 42 years old, Rodgers has consistently shown that he can still perform at a high level, making him the clear choice for the starting quarterback position.
Rodgers will turn 43 this December, but his experience and skill set make him the most valuable asset on the Steelers’ quarterback roster. His career stats are impressive: 66,274 passing yards, 527 touchdowns, and 123 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 65.1%, according to Pro Football Reference.
Steelers’ Quarterback Depth Chart
The Steelers currently have four quarterbacks signed, with two of them being drafted in the previous two drafts. Here’s how the depth chart looks:
- Aaron Rodgers
- Mason Rudolph
- Will Howard
- Drew Allar
Mason Rudolph
Rudolph has spent the majority of his career with the Steelers, playing five seasons before a brief stint with the Tennessee Titans. He has made 19 starts in his six-year career but has never been a consistent starter. Selected with the No. 76 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Rudolph has thrown for 4,925 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 64.4%.
Will Howard
Pittsburgh selected Howard with the No. 185 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Kansas State and Ohio State product did not play much last season due to an injury. In college, he threw for 9,796 yards, 83 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 63.8%.
Drew Allar
Allar became the latest addition to the Steelers’ quarterback room after being chosen with the No. 76 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Penn State Nittany Lion is expected to take time to develop into a viable NFL quarterback. During his college career, he compiled 7,402 passing yards, 61 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a 63.2% completion percentage.
Aaron Rodgers’ New Contract
On Saturday night, shortly after the Preakness Stakes concluded, Rodgers and the Steelers agreed on a one-year extension. The deal has a ceiling of $25 million, including incentives. Rodgers will earn between $22 and $23 million in 2026, making him the 18th-highest-paid quarterback in the league, according to Spotrac.
How Old Is Aaron Rodgers?
Rodgers is currently 42 years old and was born on December 2, 1983. He will turn 43 during the 2026 season. He is both the oldest player and quarterback on the roster. The 2026 season will mark his 22nd season in the NFL. The oldest player in NFL history was George Blanda, who played until he was 48.
Aaron Rodgers’ 2025 Stats
Despite his age, Rodgers continued to put up solid numbers during his time with the Steelers. Last season, he had the 23rd most interceptions in the league (seven) and finished with 24 touchdown passes. Here is a breakdown of his 2025 season stats:
- Games: 16
- Record: 10-6
- Pass Yards: 3,322
- Completion Percentage: 65.7%
- Touchdowns: 24
- Interceptions: 7
Final Thoughts
Aaron Rodgers’ return to the Steelers highlights his enduring talent and the team’s confidence in his ability to lead them. With his experience and proven track record, he remains a vital part of the team’s future. As the 2026 season approaches, fans will be eager to see how Rodgers performs and whether he can continue to deliver at such a high level.
