Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has signed a new one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking him into a 22nd season in the NFL.

The 42-year-old had previously not confirmed whether he would keep playing, let alone whether he would return to Pittsburgh – having spent last season with the Steelers.

But the 2011 Super Bowl winner, who has been named the league’s Most Valuable Player four times, has committed to continuing his career.

Last summer, he accepted a one-year deal with Pittsburgh worth $13.65m (£10m) – one of the NFL’s lowest annual salaries among starting quarterbacks.

But Rodgers’ new contract is said to be worth a guaranteed $22m (£16.5m),, external and up to $25m (£18.8m) in incentives.

Pittsburgh quarterbacks coach Tom Arth said Rodgers has a “ferocious competitive spirit” but still has “so much fun” playing the game.

“He plays the game like he’s still 10 years old running around in the backyard,” added Arth.

Rodgers began his NFL career in 2005 when he was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the draft.

Rodgers helped the Steelers reach last season’s play-offs, before coach Mike Tomlin chose to bring his 19-year tenure to an end.

Tomlin was replaced by Mike McCarthy, who was head coach for most of Rodgers’ 18-year stint with the Green Bay Packers, and they won a Super Bowl together.

After leaving the Packers for the New York Jets in 2023, Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles on his debut – ruling him out for the rest of the season. He was then released after a disappointing second season in New York.

Rodgers is not as mobile as he used to be and missed one game for Pittsburgh in 2025 because of a broken wrist.

But even in an inconsistent season by the Steelers, he managed to steer them to a 10-7 record and their first AFC North title since 2020, before being outclassed by the Houston Texans in the post-season.

In April, Pittsburgh did add a quarterback in the NFL Draft, selecting Drew Allar in the third round.