Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers Cites D.K. Metcalf As A Reason For Joining Steelers; FA Tyler Boyd Would Welcome Pittsbugh Deal

June 29th, 2025 at 10:19pm CST by Rory Parks

Although he may not have had much by way of realistic landing spots in 2025, new Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers still had to think highly enough of the situation in Pittsburgh to join the team and put off retirement for one more year. Having previously cited head coach Mike Tomlin as a factor in his decision, Rodgers also pointed to another new Steeler, trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf.

Rodgers, 41, said Metcalf is a “big part of the reason” he joined the Steelers (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). He went on to say Metcalf is “a really solid human being.”

The Steelers’ decision to trade former WR1 George Pickens after acquiring and extending Metcalf is in keeping with their modus operandi, as Pickens is entering his walk year, and Pittsburgh does not make a habit of rostering two wideouts on top-dollar deals. That said, the club was also wary of pairing Pickens and his history of maturity issues with the notoriously prickly Rodgers, a concern that may have helped grease the trade wheels.

By contrast, the throwing sessions that Rodgers and Metcalf had this offseason – before Rodgers officially joined the team – apparently helped sell the future Hall of Fame signal-caller on his new top target. Still, losing a talent like Pickens is a big blow to Pittsburgh’s offense, so the team is reportedly continuing to seek a veteran wideout despite having added Robert Woods in late April.

Pro Bowl stalwarts like Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper remain on the market and thus have been connected to Pittsburgh, at least speculatively. While finances are likely not a major factor in the Steelers’ calculus at this point since they have roughly $19MM in cap room, a less expensive option like Tyler Boyd may also make sense.

Boyd, 30, spent the first eight years of his career as a key part of the Bengals’ passing attack and topped 1,000 receiving yards in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Even in his last season in Cincinnati in 2023, Boyd saw 98 targets. However, the team’s decision to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins and the specter of a record-setting extension for Ja’Marr Chase led Boyd out of the Queen City last offseason.

The Pittsburgh native and University of Pittsburgh product was interested in joining his hometown Steelers in 2024, and the interest was reportedly mutual. But the parties could not find common ground on contract terms, so Boyd ultimately inked a one-year deal with the Titans.

As Tennessee slogged through a forgettable year with second-year passer Will Levis and veteran Mason Rudolph (now back with Pittsburgh) at the controls, Boyd put up an underwhelming stat line. Excluding the 2017 campaign, in which he appeared in just 10 games, Boyd tied or set career lows with 57 targets, 39 catches, 390 receiving yards, and a 10.0 yards-per-catch rate. He also failed to find the endzone for the first time in his career.

Of course, he had done much better with different quarterback situations, and he represents an intriguing buy-low candidate for teams in need of receiving help. For the second year in a row, he is hoping to head home to western Pennsylvania.

At this youth camp on Saturday, Boyd was asked by Pittsburgh Sports Now if he would like to sign with the Steelers.

“Absolutely,” he said (via Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports; h/t Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk). “You know, all my family is here. I’d be able to have the majority of them be able to support me.”

Like many players, Boyd has a fondness for Tomlin.

“I’m real cool with Tomlin,” he added. “He’s always been a good person. … When I was at Pitt, we had a good relationship. After practice, I’d walk over there, talk to [Antonio Brown] and those guys, talk to Tomlin, and he’d just pick at different things, where I could get better and get some guidance. I think we had a great friendship.”

There have been no public reports of interest in Boyd’s services in 2025. It remains to be seen if the Steelers will reciprocate his interest this time around.

Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Expects To Retire After 2025 Season

June 24th, 2025 at 9:40pm CST by Adam La Rose

Retirement was floated as an option for much of the 2025 offseason in Aaron Rodgers‘ case. The future Hall of Famer will suit up for the Steelers this year, but it would come as a surprise if he did so in Pittsburgh or anywhere else after that.

During his latest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers said he is “pretty sure” 2025 will be his final NFL season (video link). At the age of 41, he expectedly took a one-year pact earlier this month to take over starting duties with the Steelers. Today’s remarks all-but confirm the third chapter of his career will be a one-and-done endeavor.

“It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it,” Rodgers added. “What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL?”

2025 will mark Rodgers’ 21st season in the NFL and his 18th as a starting quarterback. A four-time MVP during his Packers tenure, things did not go according to plan upon being traded to the Jets. Rodgers suffered an Achilles tear four snaps into his New York debut, and a comeback attempt proved unnecessary with the team out of postseason contention in December. 2024 brought about a full slate of games, although he struggled with a number of ailments while only managing a partial return to his previous form.

Not long after the replacements for the Robert Saleh-Joe Douglas regime arrived, the decision was made to proceed with a Rodgers release. Conversations between team and player on that front did not result in an amicable parting of ways, but if left Rodgers free to contemplate his next opportunity. The Super Bowl winner spoke with the Giants and Vikings while also giving thought to ending his career. In the end, though, connections with the Steelers resulted in a visit and a long-running expectation a deal would be worked out. Pittsburgh remained patient, waiting until after the draft concluded and OTAs took place to finalize his pact.

As a result, Rodgers will become the Steelers’ seventh different signal-caller to start a game since Ben Roethlisberger retired. The team’s efforts to find a genuine successor have not yielded much in the way of success, and the Rodgers investment is of course a short-term bid to elevate Pittsburgh’s ceiling on offense. Even if this latest move works out well, a new long-term investment will be needed at the position next spring.

The Steelers reunited with Mason Rudolph in free agency, but he was informed at the time a starting-caliber addition was still being sought out. With no agreement being reached to keep 2024 passers Justin Fields or Russell Wilson in the fold, an outside addition proved necessary. Other veterans – such as Matthew Stafford – were higher on Pittsburgh’s priority list, but as expected he worked out a new Rams arrangement. Rodgers thus represented one of the preferable options regarding a one-year experiment.

The 10-time Pro Bowler is now three years removed from his most recent MVP campaign, and mobility will be an obvious area of concern for his debut Pittsburgh season. A healthy run of games could provide the Steelers with the chance to end their drought regarding playoff wins, though. Regardless of how things play out, a retirement announcement following the 2025 season is even likelier now than it already was.

Steelers Were Wary Of Aaron Rodgers/George Pickens Pairing

June 23rd, 2025 at 8:56pm CST by Ben Levine

When George Pickens was dealt to the Cowboys last month, reporters cited a number of reasons for the move. Primarily, the trade was attributed to finances, as the Steelers neither had the budget nor the willingness to extend the receiver (especially following the acquisition of high-priced WR D.K. Metcalf). We also heard stories of Pickens’ lack of maturity, a common theme throughout the wideout’s career.

While the Steelers were still a month away from settling their QB situation, the team’s expected acquisition of Aaron Rodgers may have had an influence on the front office’s thinking. As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes, the Steelers were wary that Pickens and the veteran QB “probably would not hit it off.”

While Rodgers has traditionally iced out younger receivers, he still clearly values high-impact targets. It’s also not completely unfounded that the future Hall of Famer may not mesh with a top WR. Even before Rodgers’ ouster in New York, there were rumblings of tension with Garrett Wilson, and the relationship didn’t get any better when Davante Adams started stealing targets.

While Pickens’ surely could have embraced some QB consistency, the Steelers clearly didn’t want to take any chances, especially since the WR clashed with past QBs. In fact, Pickens had made it known that he strongly preferred Russell Wilson remain in place as a starter, an option that clearly wasn’t prioritized by Pittsburgh’s decision makers. With Metcalf on the books and Robert Woods also joining the depth chart, the Steelers felt comfortable enough moving on from the former second-round pick.

Pickens’ anticipated/hypothetical issues with Rodgers is yet another public anecdote that puts a spotlight on the player’s maturity (or lack thereof). Even if the Steelers weren’t going after the veteran QB, it seemed like Pickens’ stint in Pittsburgh was likely coming to an end. We heard that multiple Steelers players became “fed up” with the WR over his three years in Pittsburgh, with several of these players believing it’d be “counterproductive” to keep him around.

Of course, there was also the financial aspect, as Pickens is entering the final season of his rookie contract. Metcalf is on a lucrative deal that could last through the 2029 season, and that Steelers/Seahawks trade all but ended Pickens’ chances of earning a Steelers extension. While Pittsburgh could have kept the WR around during a prove-it season, the team ultimately decided to bail early.

Most likely, it was a combination of all these factors that resulted in Pickens’ departure. Still, it’s interesting that the Steelers front office was considering the WR’s fit with Rodgers…even before the QB inked his deal.

Aaron Rodgers Addresses Steelers Signing; Rams Showed Interest

June 11th, 2025 at 10:20pm CST by Adam La Rose

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.”

Aaron Rodgers’ Full Steelers Contract Details Revealed

June 11th, 2025 at 10:13am CST by Nikhil Mehta

Aaron Rodgers finally put pen to paper in Pittsburgh last week, signing a one-year deal for the lowest APY of his career since his rookie contract 20 years ago.

Rodgers’ pact with the Steelers has a base value of $13.65MM, comprised of a $3.65MM salary and a $10MM signing bonus that represents all of his guaranteed money, per OverTheCap. With incentives, he can reach $19.5MM, though he and the Steelers will have to reach some significant benchmarks to realize that maximum value.

The $5.85MM of incentives in Rodgers’ contract are all predicated on the 41-year-old quarterback playing at least 70% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, a mark he easily eclipsed last year in New York. However, he cannot earn any extra money based on playtime alone, as the incentives are largely dependent on Pittsburgh’s performance in 2025.

Rodgers will earn $500K if the Steelers qualify for the postseason. That’s his only incentive that is considered ‘Likely To Be Earned’ as Pittsburgh made the playoffs last year and Rodgers played 97% of the Jets’ offensive snaps. LTBE incentives have to be accounted for on the salary cap, so Rodgers’ 2025 cap hit will be $14.15MM.

Neither Rodgers nor the Steelers fulfilled the rest of his incentives in 2024, so they are all considered ‘Not Likely To Be Earned’ and therefore do not count against the 2025 cap. He can receive an additional $600K if the Steelers advance to the second round of the playoffs via either a wild-card win or a first-round bye, and another $750K is available for a win in the divisional round. Rodgers can then earn $1MM for advancing to the Super Bowl and $1.5MM for a Super Bowl victory, though all of his playoff incentives require him to play at least 50% of each game’s snaps.

Rodgers will also receive $1.5MM if he wins a fifth MVP award that would tie him for the all-time lead with Peyton Manning. Since no NFL player has won MVP without making the playoffs in more than 50 years, Rodgers would likely earn upwards of $2MM if he manages to take home the hardware.

The Steelers have been a playoff mainstay under Mike Tomlin, and Rodgers is likely their best starting quarterback in years. However, Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, making it no certainty that Rodgers can reach the maximum value of his contract.

Steelers Preferred Matthew Stafford, Justin Fields To Aaron Rodgers?

June 9th, 2025 at 10:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Steelers have Aaron Rodgers under contract in time for minicamp, meaning the team will have its expected quarterback starter for 2025. Other options received consideration this offseason, though, and it appears at least two of them were higher on Pittsburgh’s wishlist.

During an appearance on Get Up, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Rodgers represented the Steelers’ third choice at the quarterback spot (video link). Schefter notes Pittsburgh first attempted to work out a trade with the Rams for Matthew Stafford this offseason. The Super Bowl winner wound up remaining in Los Angeles on another revised contract, but a number of suitors showed interest in a trade before that agreement was reached.

The Steelers were among them, with a February report linking them to Stafford. Pittsburgh checked in with the Rams on that front, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated writes, but the team doubted a departure from Los Angles was realistic. Likewise, interest was shown in Kirk Cousins, but at no point was he regarded as a preferred option to Rodgers.

Per Schefter and Breer, the Steelers’ efforts were aimed first at re-signing Justin Fields before serious Rodgers consideration took place. Pittsburgh was well known to have interest in keeping one of Fields or 2024 starter Russell Wilson for the coming season. The Jets – having released Rodgers with the arrival of a new HC-GM combination – provided Fields with an unquestioned starter’s role on a two-year pact, however. Once he agreed to head to New York, Rodgers became one of the best veteran options on the market.

The 41-year-old visited the Steelers early in free agency, and he and head coach Mike Tomlin remained in touch throughout the spring. As Breer notes, that communication played a key role in Pittsburgh’s ongoing confidence that a deal would eventually be worked out. He adds much of the legwork regarding the contract details have been in place since March, leaving only certain aspects of its structure to be finalized recently.

Rodgers will receive $10MM in guarantees and $5.85MM in incentives could increase his earnings for the campaign. The four-time MVP’s pact stands in contrast to what Fields received from the Jets ($40MM over two years, including $30MM fully guaranteed) and Stafford’s new Rams arrangement ($84MM across the 2025 and ’26 seasons, up from the $58MM he was originally owed). At a discounted price compared to the top of the position’s market in particular, it will be interesting to see how Rodgers fares with his third career team.

Stafford declined to join teams such as the Raiders and Giants despite their willingness to reach the $50MM-per-year mark. Fields, meanwhile, understandably departed on the open market after Tomlin elected to keep Wilson ahead of him on the depth chart once both passers were healthy last season. It took until well after the draft and through much of OTAs for the Rodgers acquisition to become official, but Pittsburgh’s apparent Plan C under center is now set to take shape.

Latest On Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers Deal

June 7th, 2025 at 10:31pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

10:31pm: Rodgers passed his physical and officially signed his contract with the Steelers on Saturday, according to Rapoport. It’s a one-year deal with a base value of $13.65MM and $10MM in guaranteed money, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Playtime and team performance incentives could boost Rodgers’ earnings to a maximum of $19.5MM.

With the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed, Rodgers is now set to participate in Pittsburgh’s mandatory minicamp next week.

12:01pm: The Steelers’ monthslong pursuit of Aaron Rodgers is all but over. The four-time MVP just has to pass a physical before formally signing in Pittsburgh to take over as the team’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season.

Rodgers’ physical should happen in the coming days, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, likely by the time the Steelers’ minicamp starts on Tuesday. Rodgers will have three days to familiarize himself with his new teammates, coaches, and playbook before the team breaks for the summer until training camp kicks off in July. According to Rapoport, the Steelers and others familiar with the veteran quarterback’s thinking were expecting this timeline all along.

However, unlike his move to New York, Rodgers doesn’t have an established rapport with his new coaches and teammates. The Jets hired former Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett and signed longtime Rodgers teammate Allen Lazard in anticipation of the veteran quarterback’s arrival in 2023, but Pittsburgh made no such moves this offseason. Rodgers did practice with D.K. Metcalf this offseason, but he has no playing history with Steelers OC Arthur Smith or any of the team’s offensive weapons.

Details of Rodgers’ deal with the Steelers remain unknown. The base salary is expected to be in the $10MM range floated by Rodgers back in April, per Rapoport, with incentives that could reach $20MM at most.

That would be the lowest APY of Rodgers’ career outside of his rookie contract. Rapoport suggested that Rodgers was willing to take an inexpensive deal to help the Steelers bolster their roster around him, but it’s unlikely he could have earned more elsewhere after receiving little interest from other teams this offseason.

The end to the Steelers-Rodgers saga also has implications for other teams, according to Mark Maske of The Washington Post. The Vikings briefly flirted with signing Rodgers earlier in the offseason but appeared to close the door on the idea soon after. That door is now locked, solidifying J.J. McCarthy as Minnesota’s unquestioned starter this season. The Steelers were also the last potential trade destination for Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, likely keeping him in Atlanta for another year as Michael Penix‘s backup.

Aaron Rodgers’ ‘$10MM’ Offer Exclusive To Rams?

June 7th, 2025 at 10:09pm CST by Ely Allen

Back in April, when veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers was still mulling his options with several teams, we saw a number of reports quoting that Rodgers had said he’d be willing to play for $10MM on a one-year contract in 2025. While the Steelers are still getting a pretty good bargain on the reported numbers we saw this afternoon (one-year, $13.5MM with $10MM guaranteed and $6MM in incentives), it’s still more than the $10MM number that was so often quoted.

An easy way to reconcile this could simply be to say that Pittsburgh wanted to honor his commitment to play on a lower-end, try-out deal while adding a little incentive to ensure he found his way to the Steel City. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer has a different theory.

In a post on X, shortly following the announcement of details on Rodgers’ new contract, Breer wrote, “For what it’s worth, I’d heard the $10 million number, at the time, was sort of exclusive to the Rams. As in, an example of how badly he wanted to go there in March.”

As the Rams were allowing their Super Bowl-winning passer Matthew Stafford to talk to other teams and gauge his market, a link seemingly emerged between the team and Rodgers. A northern California native and Cal alumnus, Rodgers has always been drawn to the potential of returning to his home state. A report in late February delivered rumors that Rodgers had the Rams in his cross hairs, and that he intended to, once again, take long-time teammate Davante Adams with him.

This rumor held a lot of weight at the time, considering that the wide receiver had already expressed interest in returning to the west coast earlier that month, specifically calling out the Rams and Chargers in the process. Ultimately, Adams did end up signing with the Rams, but at that point, the team had already agreed to secure Stafford for another season.

So, according to Breer, Rodgers’ quote may have been taken a bit out of context. While it may have just been a way to express how badly he would’ve loved to play alongside Adams in their home state, Rodgers still accepted a frugal, team-friendly deal in Pittsburgh on similar terms.

Steelers Sign Aaron Rodgers

June 6th, 2025 at 8:40am CST by Adam La Rose

JUNE 6, 8:40am: Rodgers has insisted that money is not his primary motivator and suggested that he would be willing to take $10MM – his lowest salary since his rookie contract – to play in Pittsburgh. The base value of his deal with the Steelers is expected to be in that neighborhood, per Rapoport, with the potential for more money via incentives.

JUNE 5, 10:08pm: The Steelers have officially announced the one-year deal (pending physical).

JUNE 5, 2:15pm: The Aaron Rodgers saga is nearing its expected conclusion. The future Hall of Famer has informed the Steelers he will sign with them, Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report.

To no surprise, Rapoport adds this will be a one-year deal. Rodgers will fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow, allowing him to sign ahead of next week’s minicamp. The four-time MVP will thus handle starting duties for 2025 as the Steelers look to upgrade their play under center on a short-term basis.

Uncertainty has clouded this situation throughout the offseason, but for quite some time signs have exclusively pointed to this arrangement taking place. Pittsburgh’s initial intention was to keep one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields in place as a holdover from the team’s 2024 QB setup. Instead, Fields left for the Jets in free agency while Wilson (preferring not to wait for Rodgers to make his decision) will handle starting duties for the Giants.

Since losing both of their quarterbacks from the previous campaign, the Steelers have been connected to Rodgers. After two years with the Jets – one which ended after four snaps due to an Achilles tear and one which was marred by inconsistent play and turmoil in the organization – he was released. The manner in which Rodgers was informed of the decision by the new Jets regime was not well-received, but a first career foray into free agency brought with it conversations with a number of teams. The Giants were among them, although the team’s preference was to use the 2025 draft as a means of finding a long-term solution under center.

The Vikings represented a potential destination as well, with Rodgers informing them they were his preferred landing spot. After allowing Sam Darnold to depart in free agency, though, Minnesota is prepared to move forward with 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy under center. In mid-March, the possibility was raised that Rodgers would either sign with the Vikings or retire. Neither route has been taken.

Shortly after that report emerged, a free agent visit took place in which Rodgers went to the Steelers’ facility. That did not produce an agreement, but a contract offer was made. While continuing to weigh the option of hanging up his cleats – and focusing his attention on a personal matter – the longtime Packers star mainly remained quiet with respect to public comments on his future. Clearly, Rodgers’ off-the-field situation has now reached a point where he is committed to suiting up for a 21st season in the NFL.

The Steelers have Skylar Thompson on their quarterback depth chart, and the team reunited with Mason Rudolph in free agency. The latter (who totaled 21 appearances and 13 starts across his first Pittsburgh stint) was made aware before signing of the possibility a deal such as this was a distinct possibility. The team aimed to have a firm Rodgers answer before April’s draft took place, but even without one Pittsburgh operated as though he would eventually arrive. Indeed, owner Art Rooney II expressed optimism on that front multiple times while the Steelers’ only rookie addition came in the form of sixth-rounder Will Howard.

Late last month, Rodgers hinted further that he would spend the 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh. The 41-year-old has already worked out with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf this offseason while remaining in constant contact with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (whom ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes was a key factor in Rodgers’ decision). No firm timeline was ever established for a deal to be worked out, and missed reps at OTAs are certainly far from ideal. Realistically, though, upcoming minicamp represented a logical deadline for Rodgers to report to the team and begin acclimating to OC Arthur Smith‘s scheme.

Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement following the 2021 campaign, the Steelers have been unable to find an effective replacement under center. Given Rodgers’ age, he will of course not be seen as a long-term solution at the position. Next year’s draft – which will take place in Pittsburgh, no less – looms as one to watch with respect to another notable rookie investment on the team’s part.

In the meantime, another postseason berth will be the goal for Tomlin and Co. The Steelers have never posted a sub-.500 record during his tenure, but playoff success has proven hard to come by dating back to the waning stages of Roethlisberger’s decorated career. If healthy, Rodgers could give the team’s offense its highest floor in years. Considering his age, declining mobility and production since the start of the 2022 season, however, it very much remains to be seen how effective his debut Steelers season will be.

One of the impacts of today’s news is the fact Pittsburgh will no longer be in the market for Kirk Cousins. The Falcons have consistently stated their preference to keep him as a backup, but the four-time Pro Bowler has aimed for a change of scenery all offseason. The Steelers were keeping tabs on a potential trade while awaiting word from Rodgers, their preferred target for a short-term addition. Now, Cousins can essentially be locked into remaining with Atlanta unless a starting quarterback is injured this summer.

Rodgers’ legacy will be dictated in large part by the success of his Packers stint. To say the least, though, things did not go according to plan during his Jets tenure. How this third chapter of his career plays out will be one of the league’s more interesting storylines.

Aaron Rodgers Yet To Offer Steelers Assurances Of 2025 Deal?

May 31st, 2025 at 9:18pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2025 offseason has been filled with connections between Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. No signing has taken place yet, with nothing appearing to be imminent at this point.

Considering how Pittsburgh has handled the quarterback spot this offseason – reuniting with Mason Rudolph, not pursuing other starting-caliber free agents and waiting until the sixth round of the draft to add a rookie – many have assumed an agreement of sorts is in place between team and player in this situation. Rodgers himself hinted at that during his latest public remarks on the subject. However, it appears no assurances have been received in Pittsburgh’s case.

During a recent appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Rodgers has “not affirmatively told the Steelers that he’s coming” (video link). Pittsburgh has clearly operated as though the 41-year-old will sign at some point, with owner Art Rooney II and head coach Mike Tomlin practicing patience for a decision to be made. Rodgers (who was at one point under consideration from the Giants and preferred to sign with the Vikings this spring) has not committed, at least publicly, to playing at all in 2025. The expectation still remains, though, that a Steelers deal is forthcoming.

The four-time MVP’s only free agent visit took place at the Steelers’ facility, and at least one contract offer has been made. Rodgers worked out with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf earlier this offseason, one in which he has remained in contact with Tomlin. Each of those signs have contributed to the ongoing assumption he will handle starting duties for Pittsburgh in 2025 as the team prepares for a high draft investment next spring. That could still prove to be the case, but mandatory minicamp looms as a potential deadline for an official commitment to be made.

The Steelers have already begun OTAs with Rudolph – who was made aware of the possibility Pittsburgh could add an established starter in free agency – in the QB1 spot. Minicamp is set to begin June 10, and that could be seen as a point at which the team moves forward with its incumbent quarterbacks (along with, potentially, another veteran added late in the offseason). If the Steelers were to take that route, Kirk Cousins would increasingly become a name to watch.

As Rodgers’ offseason continues to include a pressing matter related to a member of his inner circle, May has come and gone without a Steelers deal coming to pass. A resolution on that off-the-field matter would presumably accelerate his decision, something which has apparently still not been explicitly been communicated to the team yet.

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