Aaron Rodgers Signs with Pittsburgh Steelers: A New Chapter for the Future Hall of Famer
After months of speculation, the Pittsburgh Steelers have landed one of the NFL’s biggest names: Aaron Rodgers. The four-time NFL MVP officially signed a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers on June 7, 2025, with $10 million guaranteed and up to $5.85 million in incentives, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal, finalized just before the team’s mandatory minicamp, marks the start of Rodgers’ 21st NFL season and his third team after 18 years with the Green Bay Packers and a rocky two-year stint with the New York Jets. With head coach Mike Tomlin as a major draw, this move could reshape Pittsburgh’s 2025 season. Here’s why this signing is a game-changer—and what it means for the Steelers.
A Long-Awaited Decision
Rodgers’ free agency saga kept the NFL world on edge. After the Jets released him in March 2025 following a disappointing 2024 season (3,897 yards, 28 TDs, 11 INTs, and a 48.1 QBR), the 41-year-old quarterback took his time weighing options. He flirted with retirement, held discussions with teams like the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings, and even visited Pittsburgh in March without signing. It wasn’t until June 5 that NFL insiders like Ian Rapoport confirmed the one-year deal.
Rodgers called the decision to join Pittsburgh “best for my soul,” citing Mike Tomlin’s leadership as the deciding factor. “It starts with Mike Tomlin. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time,” Rodgers told reporters at minicamp, per CBS Pittsburgh. He also praised the Steelers as an “iconic franchise,” noting the city’s rich quarterback history. For a player who’s been through public scrutiny—most notably for his COVID-19 vaccination stance and a tumultuous Jets tenure—this move feels like a chance to rewrite his legacy.
Why Pittsburgh?
The Steelers were in desperate need of a quarterback upgrade. Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in 2021, they’ve cycled through five different Week 1 starters, ranking dead last in the NFL with just 46 touchdown passes from 2022 to 2024. Attempts to re-sign Justin Fields (who joined the Jets) and trade for Matthew Stafford fell through, making Rodgers their third choice but a massive coup, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Tomlin’s track record of never having a losing season and his personal outreach to Rodgers sealed the deal. The quarterback has already been working with new wideout DK Metcalf, acquired from Seattle, and is pushing for offensive tweaks with coordinator Arthur Smith to suit his pre-snap audibling style. The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt, and a reliable kicker in Chris Boswell give Rodgers a better supporting cast than he had in New York, where he was linked to the firings of coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas.
What Rodgers Brings to the Table
At 41, Rodgers isn’t the MVP-caliber player who torched defenses with the Packers, winning four MVPs and a Super Bowl. His 2024 Jets season was inconsistent, and some Steelers fans, still stung by his Super Bowl XLV win over Pittsburgh, are skeptical. Former Steeler Ryan Clark called the signing the “worst-case scenario,” arguing it locks the team into mediocrity.
Still, Rodgers’ 2024 stats—28 touchdowns and a late-game heroics against Jacksonville—would be a dream for Pittsburgh, which went 2-0 in 2024 games without an offensive touchdown. He’s a clear upgrade over Mason Rudolph, who’d likely be starting otherwise. Rodgers also mentors sixth-round rookie Will Howard, potentially grooming a future starter. His revenge-tour schedule, facing the Jets in Week 1 and the Packers in Week 8, adds extra intrigue.
Risks and Rewards
The signing isn’t without risks. Rodgers turns 42 in December, and his recent decline—ranking 23rd in adjusted yards per attempt since 2022—raises questions about his ceiling. Injuries, like the Achilles tear that sidelined him for most of 2023, are a concern. The one-year deal, with a $14.15 million cap hit, is low-risk financially, but failure could dent Tomlin’s legacy and fuel fan frustration.
Yet the upside is huge. If Rodgers delivers a deep playoff run—Pittsburgh’s first since 2008—he could cement his case as a top-five QB all-time. A Week 1 clash with the Jets, now led by Justin Fields, and a primetime showdown with Green Bay could set the tone for a redemption arc.
What’s Next?
Rodgers hit the ground running at minicamp on June 10, taking fourth in QB reps by design but already bonding with teammates. He’s planning offseason workouts with skill players at his Malibu home before training camp starts July 23. His No. 8 jersey (No. 12 is unofficially retired for Terry Bradshaw) is already a hot topic. Off the field, Rodgers confirmed he’s been married for “a couple of months,” adding a personal twist to his Pittsburgh chapter.
For Steelers fans, this is a high-stakes gamble. Can Rodgers, under Tomlin’s steady hand, turn Pittsburgh into an AFC North contender? Or will age and baggage hold him back? One thing’s certain: the 2025 season just got a lot more exciting in the Steel City.