Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers were connected to one another well before a deal was actually signed. The future Hall of Famer will handle quarterback duties for 2025 after it remained unclear whether or not he would continue his career. 
Rodgers was linked to a small number of potential landing spots while he contemplated retirement. Once Russell Wilson and Justin Fields departed in free agency, though, it became abundantly clear a commitment to the 41-year was a strong possibility for the Steelers. That held especially true with Matthew Stafford proving to be unavailable via trade.
“There was conversations with other organizations, for sure,” Rodgers said when speaking to the media following his first Pittsburgh practice (via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio). “But, again, the rapport that fell in between me and [head coach] Mike [Tomlin] made it to where, as I was going through my personal stuff, there wasn’t any other option for me. It was here or not play.”
After Rodgers was released from the Jets, he spoke with both the Giants and Vikings. It was reported at one point during his free agency that Minnesota represented the 41-year-old’s preferred destination. Having seen Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones take starting gigs (or at least the chance of one, in the latter’s case), however, the Vikings are set for J.J. McCarthy to handle QB1 duties. New York, meanwhile, was leery of Rodgers’ age and injury history (including a 2023 Achilles tear) when contemplating a deal.
When speaking to the media, Rodgers confirmed (via Mark Maske of the Washington Post) he was in talks with the Vikings and Giants. He added the decision to play one more year was not “super clear-cut,” but ongoing conversations with Tomlin played a key role in his commitment to Pittsburgh. Team and player arranged for the signing to officially take place in time for mandatory minicamp, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer confirmed to little surprise during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show (video link).
Interestingly, the Rams were also a possibility at one point in Rodgers’ case. When appearing on Good Morning Football Wednesday morning (video link), head coach Sean McVay said the longtime Packers star was the subject of conversations in the organization as a Stafford contingency plan. In the end, Stafford worked out another short-term arrangement which will keep him in Los Angeles, allowing the team to continue with its preferred starter.
Rodgers will carry a $14.15MM cap hit in 2025 as the Steelers look for their first postseason win since 2016. Incentives are present to add to the four-time MVP’s $13.65MM in base pay, but even at its maximum this Pittsburgh agreement falls well short of his previous contracts. Rodgers is certainly not lacking in career earnings, and with a Super Bowl to his name already he could have easily chosen to hang up his cleats. Instead, Rodgers will look to enjoy a brief third chapter in his NFL career.
“For my ego, I don’t need it to keep playing,” he added (via Maske). “A lot of decisions that I’ve made over my career and life from strictly the ego — even if they turn out well — are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling… I felt like being here with Coach T. and the guys they got here and the opportunity here was best for me. I’m excited to be here.”
I get that these writers need to report “updates” but do they have to rehash the same redundant filler in every post? Just report on what was said today.. Everyone’s heard the rest.
Lol
It’s called modern sports journalism. Just like the mediocre sports talk radio in Pittsburgh.
93.7 the fan is the worst. When grown men resort to having nicknames like MULSEY, DONNY FOOTBALL, it’s more like sesame st.
Not too excited for PITTS offense this year. Outside of Metcalf, they dont have any playmakers. That OL better hold up for AR. Expect alot of low scoring games, especially with AR always running the clock down to 0 before he hikes it. Then there’s 3 TE set, run the ball then play action OC Arthur Smith. Tomlin has won some games over the last few years with a game changing play in critical situations. Not sure how long they can keep doing that.
Same shiz, different uniform. Show me, don’t tell me.
Imagine being in the Steelers lockerroom and having to listen to Rodgers spew philosophical nonsense all the time…Yikes!
I’m pretty sure they won’t care what he spews if he puts up W’s. And I’m pretty sure he could spew sense all the time and if he doesn’t put up W’s they are not going to care about what he spews.
It will be difficult for the Steelers to put up Ws if most of the players are on injured reserve with ear infections…lol.
“Rams showed interest” not quite the way I heard it. Rodgers went to the Rams and pretty much begged to play for them, even told them he would play for the league minimum, and the Rams said “thanks, but no thanks”
Rodger’s probably one of very few old school QBs left. If he is back to the form he had before he torn his achilles tendon and Pittsburg’s OL is steady then it should be an interesting team to watch for sure…
It’s Pittsburgh…if you want to be taken seriously as a poster..learn to spell.