In Week 5, the Indianapolis Colts face the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose quarterback situation just got much clearer.
An early-season matchup for the Indianapolis Colts just received a major development.
On Saturday evening, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero broke the news that 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers agreed to terms on a new one-year deal to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for his second season with the team.
The Colts face the Steelers in Pittsburgh in Week 5 of the upcoming season, which will be Rodgers' 22nd in the NFL.
"Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers agreed to terms on a one-year deal, sources tell NFL Network," Pelissero posted on X. "Now entering his 22nd NFL season, Rodgers reunites with Mike McCarthy for one more run in Pittsburgh."
Rodgers' new contract is reportedly "worth up to $25 million, per sources," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "The deal is expected to include a base salary between $22 and $23 million, with up to a few million more in incentives."
Last year, in 16 games (10-6 record), Rodgers went 326-of-498 passing (65.7%) for 3,322 yards (6.7 YPA), 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, for a passer rating of 94.8, which was his best mark since his most recent NFL MVP season in 2021. The Steelers made the playoffs, but were ousted in the first round.
This is a chance for revenge for the Colts after they fell on the road to the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Week 9 last season, 27-20.
In that matchup, the Colts' defense played quite well overall. Rodgers was 25-of-35 passing (71.4%) for 203 yards (5.8 YPA) and a touchdown. Pittsburgh also accumulated just 38 rushing yards on 23 carries (1.7 avg.), but they got two short touchdowns.
The main issue for the Colts was their six turnovers, which allowed Pittsburgh the extra possessions it needed to nurse their one-score victory.
With Rodgers returning to the Steelers for at least one more year, the four-time MVP will reunite with Mike McCarthy, who was hired as Pittsburgh's new head coach this offseason. Rodgers and McCarthy spent 13 years (2006-18) together with the Green Bay Packers, winning Super Bowl XLV in 2010-11.
Before Rodgers agreed to return to Pittsburgh, the only other quarterbacks on the roster were Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar.
Rodgers' addition to the Colts schedule gives them another opponent with a seasoned veteran quarterback who has won at least one NFL MVP award. The Colts will also face a pair of two-time MVPs in Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, as well as proven vets such as Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, and CJ Stroud.
Week 5's matchup will also pit the Colts against former star receiver Michael Pittman Jr., whom the Colts traded to the Steelers in March.
The Colts haven't beaten Pittsburgh on the road since 2008.