Aaron Rodgers, one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history, is heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The four-time MVP has agreed to a one-year contract and is expected to arrive in Pittsburgh on Friday to finalise the deal before minicamp begins next week.
The Steelers confirmed the agreement, which is still subject to a routine medical. Rodgers is set to join the team on the field from Tuesday.
In contrast to most star players who make early off-season moves, Rodgers took his time, waiting until after the 2025 NFL Draft to make a decision. Pittsburgh only picked a quarterback, Will Howard, on the third day of the draft. This left them with a quarterback group that included Howard, Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, and a clear need for a proven starter.
With the New York Giants signing Russell Wilson and other teams addressing their quarterback needs through the draft, Pittsburgh emerged as the logical destination for Rodgers. Retirement had been a rumoured possibility, but this move confirms he still believes in his ability to compete.
Rodgers is coming off a tough season with the New York Jets. The team finished with a 5–12 record, and both the head coach and general manager were dismissed before the end of the season. Rodgers, still recovering from a torn Achilles, was not his usual self but still managed 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His numbers were even stronger over the final ten games, with a 64 percent completion rate.
This move also sets up some dramatic fixtures. The Steelers open their season away to the Jets on 7 September and host the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers’ former team, on 26 October in a prime-time clash.
Pittsburgh has made other key changes on offence. They traded for DK Metcalf, a powerful wide receiver who has never recorded fewer than 900 receiving yards in a season. Tight end Pat Freiermuth returns after leading the team in catches last year. However, the departure of George Pickens has left the receiver group thinner, with Calvin Austin III, veteran Robert Woods and rookie Roman Wilson competing for a starting spot.
For Rodgers, Pittsburgh offers a fresh start and a solid platform. The Steelers are known for their strong defence and winning mentality. Their last losing season was in 2003, two years before Rodgers joined the NFL.
One dynamic to watch will be the relationship between Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin. Rodgers once defeated Tomlin’s Steelers in the 2011 Super Bowl. Now, they will work together, aiming to bring another title to the Steel City.
Photo: Tom Jenkins/ Getty Images
