The Pittsburgh Steelers made a lot of their fans happy when Aaron Rodgers finally decided to sign his contract with the organization. This confirms he will be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, which is something that has been suspected for three months now. The two sides had been in contact since the start of free agency, and a deal is finally done.
Dustin Satloff / Getty Images
Aaron Rodgers warms up before the New York Jets' preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Rodgers' deal is for just one season, which makes sense due to the quarterback's age. This is likely his last go-around, and he will be making $13.65 million over the 2025 season. $10 million of that is guaranteed, but there are some additional incentives where the veteran could earn some more money.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported the incentives on Monday night.
"The incentives are as follows: $500,000 if the Steelers make the playoffs. $600,000 for a Wild Card Round win with 50% play-time in the game OR a first-round bye. $750,000 for a Divisional Round win with 50% play-time in the game. $1 million for AFC title game win with 50% play-time in the game. $1.5 million for Super Bowl win with 50% play-time in the game. $1.5 million for winning the AP MVP Award. The contract carries a cap hit of $14.15 million for the 2025 season."
The four-time league MVP signed for less than most expected him to, although he said it himself that he would play for $10 million earlier this offseason on The Pat McAfee Show. The additional incentives are expected, as incentives exist within a lot of NFL contracts. Most of Rodgers' incentives rely on postseason success, which should make fans happy after the lack of success the organization has had in the playoffs in recent years.
Mike Roemer / AP photo
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers celebrates a touchdown during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers has only ever appeared in one Super Bowl, and he happened to take down the Steelers in that game. He has had other years where he made it to the NFC Championship Game, so throughout his career, he became accustomed to deep runs in the postseason. He didn't have any of that with the New York Jets, but the quarterback would like to end his career on a high note with the Steelers, which could include hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Steelers Hoping Incentives Motivate Rodgers Even More
There is also an incentive for individual performance, as the organization will give Rodgers an additional $1.5 million if he wins the NFL's MVP Award. This is something the quarterback is used to doing, as he has won it four times in his storied career.
AP photo
Former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a round of golf.
Rodgers hasn't played his best football in quite some time, but things were never going to work out while playing for a dysfunctional franchise in the Jets. Coming to Pittsburgh gives the future Hall of Famer a fresh start, and a legitimate chance to retire on top of the NFL.
What do you think of the incentives on the deal? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
