Aaron Rodgers Has Secretly Been Working With Steelers Behind The Scenes Throughout 2025 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in headlines throughout the 2025 offseason due to the team's confusing quarterback situation. The organization allowed both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson to walk in free agency, which a lot of fans did not agree with. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh whiffed on signing a number of other players at the position. A contract was reported to be offered to Sam Darnold, who chose to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, and Pittsburgh also had its nose in the Matthew Stafford situation with the Los Angeles Rams. The situation seemed bleak for a while, but it finally came to an end on Thursday when it was reported that Aaron Rodgers would be signing with the Steelers.

The saga seemed to go on forever as Rodgers took a ton of time to make his decision to sign in Pittsburgh, but he and the organization had an agreement all along. The brass in Pittsburgh had a good idea that Rodgers would end up wearing the black and gold, and that is exactly what happened. The four-time league MVP has already been working with the organization behind the scenes, as he has been in contact with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith throughout the last several weeks, which was reported by Dan Graziano on ESPN's Get Up.

"He has been in touch with the Steelers throughout the process," Graziano said. "They kind of knew where they stood. I know he's been in touch with the offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, over the past few weeks. So they've exchanged ideas, what it would look like, all that kind of stuff."

The fact that Rodgers and Smith have already been in contact and have been working on ideas should be great news for Steelers fans. One of the main worries with Rodgers coming to town has always been how he is going to get along with the coaching staff, specifically the guy running the offense. Things seem to be going well so far, and the fact that the two are collaborating on things is promising.

Both Rodgers and Smith have had their own issues with quarterback-offensive coordinator relations in the past. Rodgers has been publicly critical over play calling multiple times, including back during his time with the Green Bay Packers and with the New York Jets. On the other hand, it came out after the 2024 season ended that Smith and Wilson did not get along. The two did not see eye to eye when it came to certain parts of the offense, which did cause some issues late in the season.

The specifics of what Rodgers and Smith have been working on is unclear, but there are probably just some tweaks being discussed between both sides. Smith wants to make sure he knows what Rodgers' preferences are in certain types of situations, while Rodgers has to make sure he is comfortable with what is in Smith's playbook. The veteran missed out on Organized Team Activities (OTAs), but that doesn't mean he hasn't been working to better the team and himself. 

Steelers Must Prioritize Getting Aaron Rodgers And Arthur Smith Another Weapon

The Steelers did a great job by bringing in DK Metcalf during the 2025 offseason, but that move made George Pickens expendable and he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. The wide receiver position behind Metcalf isn't all that promising and it is full of question marks, which means General Manager Omar Khan needs to find a way to add another playmaker before training camp.

The organization has a decent handful of options. The top three free agents would all be interesting as Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, and Gabe Davis are all available. Davis has actually already visited the facility in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, some wide receivers should go on the trade block once training camp gets closer. The Packers would be an interesting team to watch, the same goes for the New England Patriots.

What do you think about Rodgers and Smith already working together? Let us know in the comments below!

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