The will-he-or-won't-he question has been answered. Following months of speculation, Aaron Rodgers will return as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback for the 2026 season. With the retirement question put to bed for at least one more year, a 42-year-old Rodgers will once again grace the league and feature in NFL discussions among fans assessing the best newly licensed UK sportsbooks.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers during the team's first practice of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2026.
In setting out on the road to the Super Bowl for the 22nd time, Rodgers extends his record as the oldest player to ever don the black and gold.
New Improved Deal
Having previously hinted that 2025 might be his final year in the NFL, and on the back of playoff disappointment, retirement looked like a distinct possibility for the man taken in the first round of the draft way back in 2005. Rodgers characteristic delay in announcing his decision did little to slow the rumour mill.
However, a line can now be drawn under the starting quarterback issue at Acrisure Stadium. Saturday, May 16 saw reports break that the Steelers and Rodgers had reached an agreement, with confirmation arriving on Monday, May18.
Rodgers has signed a one-year deal worth $22-23 million in guaranteed money and up to $25 million with bonuses. That represents a significant increase on the $13.65 million deal he received when joining the Steelers ahead of the 2025 season.
That’s quite a pay jump for a 42-year-old but reflects the fact that Rodgers has proven he can still function as an effective starting QB. 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in 16 starts may be a notch below Rodgers’ elite years but still looks attractive compared to the other options available to the Steelers.
All Alone in the 40+ Club
When taking his first snap in 2025, a 41-year-old Rodgers became the oldest player in Steelers history. Now 42 – and set to turn 43 in December – the four-time Associated Press MVP winner will extend that record still further. He is, in fact, the only man aged 40 or above to ever represent the Steelers, although three players have come pretty close:
Ben Roethlisberger, 39 years and 10 months: In 18 years as the starting quarterback, “Big Ben” collected just about every record for the position at Heinz Field, including most passing yards, touchdowns, completions, attempts, games started, and wins. The two-time Super Bowl champ played his final game on 16 January 2022, only two months short of his 40th birthday.
Don Wright / Associated Press
Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger shakes hands with Aaron Rodgers after a game in Pittsburgh.
Bobby Walden, 39 years and 9 months: Steelers’ fans of a certain age may recall the punter Bobby Walden, who spent the final nine years of his career in Pittsburgh between 1968 and 1977. A Pro Bowl selection in 1969, he was part of the 1974 and 1975 Super Bowl-winning squads. He kicked his final NFL punt during the 1977 season at the age of 39 years and 9 months.
James Harrison, 39 years and 7 months: Moving back into the modern era, we find the Steelers’ all-time sacks leader, general defensive legend, and two-time Super Bowl winner, James Harrison. Earning five Pro Bowl selections in his initial 2002-2012 stint in Pittsburgh, Harrison returned for a second spell between 2014 and 2017. His final game came on the 10 December 2017.
One thing that Roethlisberger, Walden, and Harrison all have in common is their Super Bowl wins in Pittsburgh. If Rodgers adds his name to that list in 2026, he will become the oldest Steeler to win a ring, and the second-oldest player across all franchises, lying behind only Tom Brady.