For several months, speculation swirled around Aaron Rodgers potentially joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the team maintained public support for Mason Rudolph as their quarterback, Rodgers officially signed with the Steelers on June 10.
Despite outward appearances, the Steelers had been confident all along that Rodgers would be their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed this belief, saying he was confident in the outcome long before the media or public caught on.
The Steelers entered free agency with only Skylar Thompson on their quarterback roster, having lost both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Mason Rudolph was eventually added to the depth chart, and the team later drafted Will Howard in the sixth round. Still, Rodgers remained their top target, and the front office remained quietly persistent in pursuing him.
Aaron Rodgers (NFL)Rodgers’ Arrival Brings Leadership, Ends Months of Speculation for Steelers Quarterback Position
Rodgers signed a one-year deal worth $13.65 million on June 5, solidifying his move to Pittsburgh. This contract ended months of speculation and gave the Steelers a proven veteran to lead their offense. His arrival significantly alters the team’s quarterback dynamics, providing both experience and leadership in a position that had seen uncertainty since the end of Ben Roethlisberger’s era.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan revealed that the team had maintained steady communication with Rodgers and his camp throughout the offseason. Khan emphasized that their patience was a calculated strategy, not indecision.
He stated that the mutual interest between Rodgers and the Steelers was strong and consistent, and the deal materialized exactly as they had hoped. In his view, both sides remained aligned from the beginning, making the final agreement a natural outcome.
