After months of speculation and anticipation, Aaron Rodgers has agreed to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending a prolonged offseason filled with uncertainty about his NFL future. The Steelers officially announced the agreement, noting that it is pending a physical.
The four-time MVP, who turned 41, had visited the team back in March and had remained in steady communication with the organization throughout the offseason. Rodgers is expected to arrive in Pittsburgh in time for the mandatory minicamp next week.
Steelers Stay Patient, Trusting Rodgers’ Process as Tomlin Builds Strong Connection
Throughout the offseason, Pittsburgh remained confident in their pursuit of Rodgers, even as other quarterback options came and went. The team allowed both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to depart in free agency, signaling their commitment to landing Rodgers.
Despite the uncertainty, the Steelers opted not to use a high draft pick on a quarterback in April, instead entering offseason activities with Mason Rudolph as their presumed starter. The team’s longstanding coach, Mike Tomlin, reportedly played a key role in attracting Rodgers and was supportive of his timeline for making a decision.
Aaron Rodgers (NFL)Rodgers maintained that he was upfront with the Steelers and the public throughout the decision-making process. Speaking candidly on “The Pat McAfee Show” in April, he emphasized that he wasn’t stringing anyone along and that his focus had been on personal matters.
Rodgers didn’t rule out retirement but remained open to new opportunities while maintaining honest communication with teams. This openness resonated with the Steelers’ leadership, allowing the relationship to progress without friction.
Rocky Jets Tenure Ends as Steelers Build Support, Betting Markets Show Confidence
Rodgers’ departure from the New York Jets came just over a year after joining them from the Green Bay Packers. His time in New York was rocky — after tearing his Achilles early in 2023, he returned in 2024 but struggled with consistency.
He threw for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns but also logged 11 interceptions and a subpar QBR of 48.1. The Jets’ offense underperformed, leading to a 5-12 season and internal tensions, especially after a reported contentious meeting with new coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey, which ultimately led to his release.
As the Steelers awaited Rodgers’ decision, they quietly built a supporting cast. The team re-signed Mason Rudolph, drafted Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round, and added wide receiver DK Metcalf via trade. Rodgers held offseason throwing sessions in California with Metcalf and appeared at public events, hinting at his future.
Though he also drew interest from the Giants and Vikings, Pittsburgh emerged as his preferred destination. Following the announcement, betting markets responded swiftly, with Pittsburgh’s odds improving for both divisional success and playoff contention, signaling renewed optimism in Steel City.
