The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially landed four-time NFL MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh worth up to almost $20 million, is a player that is far past his prime, but could still add some major firepower to an underwhelming Pittsburgh offensive unit. Fresh off a shaky two year tenure with the New York Jets, Rodgers finds himself in Pittsburgh in what is more than likely his final season in the NFL.
Rodgers, whose past two years have been highlighted by injuries and mediocrity, is expected to play a major role on the Steelers' offense in 2025 and will start Week 1 barring any setbacks. He may prove to play a crucial role off the field as well, as the former Jet is expected to be an excellent mentor for rookie Will Howard. Howard, who was drafted in the sixth round out of Ohio State in 2025, is a promising young quarterback who is predicted to get an opportunity in the future.
Following a brutal Achilles injury that left him sidelined for the entire 2023 season, Rodgers put together a solid campaign in 2024, posting 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns over 17 games played. As social media continues to run rampant following the signing, Rodgers' former teammate James Jones weighed in on the situation.
"They are a playoff team now, again. And once you get to the playoffs, anything can happen," Jones stated. "We all know you just want to punch your ticket to the dance. They are a playoff team, obviously Aaron Rodgers, the four-time MVP walks into this building and the starter and all those other dudes can take a deep breath and say, 'Ok, we can learn now from Aaron Rodgers.' Coach Tomlin should have a smile on his face this morning, because now your team has a chance to compete. A couple of days ago, your team did not have much of a chance to compete. But with Aaron Rodgers walking into that building, instantly you are a playoff team. You're going to get into the playoffs and whatever may happen in those playoffs may happen. I believe Aaron Rodgers still has a lot of good football still left in him."
With optimism surrounding the Steelers' new quarterback flying high, Jones went on to speak about Rodgers' relationship with Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
He claims Rodgers used to talk about his new head coach on a regular basis.
"I think this relationship with him and Coach Tomlin is going to be phenomenal. Aaron used to talk about Coach Tomlin all the time; he respects the heck out of Coach Tomlin and I think this is going to be a really good fit when you're talking about coach to quarterback. I think it's going to be really good and I'm excited for the Steelers to have a chance to go out there and compete with Aaron Rodgers, and take the field knowing that you have a chance to win."
Tomlin played a massive role in the Steelers' acquisition of Rodgers, as rumors ran wild surrounding both he and Rodgers for a number of months. With Rodgers officially under contract in Pittsburgh and the start of mandatory minicamp continuing to grow closer, the Steelers are expected to shift gears and evaluate the depth in the wide receiver room.
Steelers Lack Depth At Wide Receiver Amidst Rodgers' Signing
With Rodgers officially on the Steelers' roster, the team is expected to evaluate the market in hopes of signing another offensive weapon behind DK Metcalf. Metcalf, who was acquired by Pittsburgh in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason, is expected to play a major role in 2025. With multiple big name receivers remaining available in free agency, Pittsburgh has recently been linked to Keenan Allen and Gabe Davis.
With Rodgers officially signing a one-year deal to play in the Steel City, fans should view Jones' comments as an extremely positive factor entering minicamp. Fans will be able to get their first glimpse at the Steelers' newest quarterback in the near future, as Rodgers is expected to be a full participant throughout the course of the rest of the offseason.
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