Aaron Rodgers has officially signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, concluding his free agency. The former Super Bowl champion and four-time NFL MVP was not the team’s first or even second choice, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Instead, Rodgers became the Steelers’ fallback after other quarterback options fell through. Despite this, Rodgers stands as the most decorated and experienced quarterback available on the market, and Pittsburgh is now counting on him to bring veteran leadership to the team.
Steelers Miss on Stafford and Fields, Turning to Rodgers as Last Resort Option
Initially, the Steelers pursued a trade for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. Negotiations, however, failed primarily due to Stafford’s high salary demands. Despite interest from multiple teams, Stafford chose to stay with the Los Angeles Rams, rejecting significant offers from the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders. This left Pittsburgh looking to secure a long-term option by re-signing Justin Fields, who had shown promise in limited starts last season.
Steelers Land Aaron Rodgers After Missing on Stafford and Fields in Scramble for Starting QBThe Steelers’ efforts to bring back Justin Fields also fell short. Fields ultimately signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets, where he is expected to compete directly with Rodgers, his former teammate, on opening day.
Fields had a 4-2 record in 2024 while briefly starting for Pittsburgh, showing flashes of potential. However, after Russell Wilson returned from injury, head coach Mike Tomlin gave Wilson the starting nod, possibly influencing Fields’ decision to seek a fresh start elsewhere.
Rams Commit to Stafford, Forcing Steelers to Bet on Veteran Aaron Rodgers
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay emphasized the importance of keeping Matthew Stafford, praising his physical condition and leadership. McVay stated that Stafford gives the Rams a legitimate chance to win every time he’s on the field, making the decision to retain him an easy one.
This loyalty and confidence from the Rams’ organization shut the door on any potential deal with Pittsburgh, which had hoped to land a seasoned starter to lead the offense.
With other options exhausted, Pittsburgh turned to Aaron Rodgers, who is looking to rebound after two underwhelming seasons with the Jets. The Steelers hope that Rodgers can stabilize the quarterback position, which has been in flux since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since 2016, and the team is banking on Rodgers’ experience to revitalize a struggling offense and end its postseason drought.
