Four-Time MVP Already Bringing Comfortability in His Return to the Steelers
After a four-month wait, the Steelers and Steelers fans could finally stop worrying about their quarterback situation in 2026. On Saturday, May 16th, Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year $22 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he'll return to the Steel City for what is almost certainly his last ride. Although Rodgers has only worked with the Steelers' first-team offense and organization for two days so far in OTAs, he has already fallen right back into rhythm. These observations come directly from Rodgers' teammates, as Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu said, "I was happy to see him back, obviously, to have our leader back from last year. Having a year from him and learning from him, we've kind of just picked up where we left off. It felt like we never really left, with him being back in the huddle." The four-time MVP's decision to sign before OTAs, giving himself a chance to participate, only adds to what Fautanu is saying. Despite talks of retirement and obvious concerns of his age, the 42-year-old veteran signal-caller brings a sense of familiarity and comfort to this Steelers team.
Rodgers steps into Pittsburgh a month earlier than last year, giving him the chance to actually participate in OTAs and minicamp, which he skipped and then observed, respectively. He also returns under Mike McCarthy's offense, one that he ran in Green Bay for 13 years. Despite the six-foot-two quarterback's waiting game, many believed he would return to Pittsburgh for one more year, including former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. That didn't stop the Steelers from playing it safe when they drafted Drew Allar in the third round. With his selection and the California natives re-signing, the Steelers now have four quarterbacks on the roster: Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. One thing is for certain: Rodgers is the starter. Another important piece of communication that was instilled when Rodgers first signed with the Steelers in 2025 was his snap cadence. Known for its fame amongst the NFL, it was shared with the offensive line before minicamp. Fautanu said, "Today, we had to get back used to it because we've been hearing Will and Mason the past couple of weeks. Once he got back in there, after that first snap, it was like we never left."
Many Steelers players have expressed excitement, surprise, and gratitude at having Rodgers back at the Steelers facility. Recently extended kicker Chris Boswell said, "It can only be good. Having a guy like that in the building can only help." Newly acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. added on to this, despite having never played with Rodgers, as he said, "I had the hope that he was coming back, and I had a good feeling about it. I'm definitely happy to have him back, for sure." Linebacker Payton Wilson hasn't even had a full conversation with him and has felt a change, as he mentioned, "I saw him this morning. I was walking in, and he was coming out, and it was good to see him. I was a little shocked." Having a Super Bowl champion return to a team that was still searching for its answer at quarterback in 2026 brings so much to Pittsburgh. Unfortunately for Howard and Allar, their battle for QB1 will be for nothing, and they will have to work towards the future of this team to lead it. It's hard to guess what will happen with the Steelers' other three quarterbacks, including an extremely hot take from former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, who believes the Steelers will cut Allar, which is already making headlines. Whoever it is will sit behind Rodgers and get to learn from one of the greatest of all time for another season, as he hopefully leads the Steelers to the postseason.
