The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally found themselves an answer at the quarterback position for 2025. On Thursday, the team announced that free agent and future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be signing a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. The move comes as a surprise to none, as the four-time MVP has been rumored to sign with the Steelers for a number of months now.
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a professional football game on the road.
Rodgers, who is coming off a shaky two year tenure with the New York Jets, is an experienced quarterback that should add some major firepower to an underwhelming Pittsburgh offensive unit. The former Jet may prove to be an excellent mentor towards rookie quarterback Will Howard as well, as Howard will officially be under the wing of one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
A 20-year veteran and 10x Pro Bowler, Rodgers very well may prove to be the most crucial move Pittsburgh has made throughout the offseason. Despite him officially agreeing to a deal with the Steelers, many fans continue to voice their frustration towards Rodgers' entire free agency process, claiming he hurt the team by waiting so long to decide. As reports continue to run wild, NFL analyst Mark Kaboly gave his thoughts on the situation.
"You have to preserve these guys. I think it's a balance with Rodgers and getting to know his personnel around him, and getting to know the chemistry with him," Kaboly stated. "But you can do that in a training camp setting without putting a guy at risk too, just go out there, if you throw a million different balls during warmups and during individuals, 7 on 7's, I don't think there's going to be many problems whatsoever."
Kaboly then went on to speak about the affect on the team that Rodgers signing this late in the offseason may have.
"What did he miss here? He missed six OTA practices, which are about 90 minutes long if you're lucky," explained Kaboly. "It's basically just throwing on air, so he's not really behind because that's where he would have been anyway. So he has plenty of time... July 23rd is the start of training camp."
Rodgers, who is expected to be in Pittsburgh for the start of the team's mandatory minicamp on Monday, is a player that is past his prime, but can still be a major factor on the Steelers' offense. After suffering an Achilles injury that left him sidelined for the 2023 NFL season, Rodgers had an up and down 2024 with the Jets. In what is widely considered to be a failed experiment for everyone involved, Rodgers' time in New York was highlighted by injuries and mediocrity.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive line attacks former New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers during a regular season game in 2024.
With the rest of the Steelers' quarterback room featuring Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and Howard, Rodgers will now lead the room, barring any injuries. Former Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf may prove to be a major beneficiary of Rodgers' presence as well, as Metcalf is slated to play a crucial role on Pittsburgh's offense in 2025. Metcalf, who was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Seahawks earlier in the offseason, is an elite playmaker that should find no problem developing a connection with Rodgers.
Steelers Expected To Add Another Offensive Weapon For Rodgers
With the current wide receiver room most notably consisting of Calvin Austin lll, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods and Metcalf, the Steelers are expected to pursue another target in the near future. With many big names remaining available in free agency, the Steelers are expected to emerge as a top suitor for players like Amari Cooper or Keenan Allen.
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Free agent WR Keenan Allen.
Veteran receiver Gabe Davis visited Pittsburgh this week, leaving without a contract, and the Steelers have reportedly made calls about tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith.
With Rodgers' officially in Pittsburgh and the Steelers finally receiving an answer at the quarterback position, the team is widely expected to bolster their wide receiver depth sooner rather than later. Fans should continue to keep an eye on both Rodgers and the rest of the Steelers' offense throughout the course of minicamp, as Pittsburgh is expected to get a better understanding of the wide receiver talent that is already on the roster as well.
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