The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got clarity on the most important position in all of football. The entire 2025 offseason had been entangled in a drawn-out saga surrounding 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. All signs were pointing toward Rodgers eventually joining the Steelers, but as time dragged on without an official decision, frustration and impatience began to build within the fan base.
Danielle Parhizkaran / USA Today
Former New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (8).
Rodgers' hesitancy created months of speculation, mixed reports, and even whispers of possible retirement. Steelers fans were caught in limbo, unsure if their team was truly going all-in or being left behind. However, now that Rodgers is officially signed and fully committed to the 2025 season, the mood in Pittsburgh has shifted. There's a sense of hope and excitement that the Steelers may finally have the veteran presence they need to make a serious Super Bowl push.
.@gnewsii ranks AFC North QBs he wants to pick off the most @Browns pic.twitter.com/jlU1663P7l
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) June 10, 2025
Even rivals are already taking notice. On Tuesday, Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II spoke out about how he’s looking forward to the challenge of intercepting Rodgers in their critical divisional matchups this season. The AFC North promises to be one of the most competitive divisions in football, and with Rodgers under center, the Steelers are no longer a question mark—they’re a threat in the minds of many pundits.
"It's the Steelers, that's our arch nemesis. So, definitely see that [picking off Rodgers] happening, both in Cleveland and in Pittsburgh," Newsome said. "So, it can happen in a multitude of ways. The tipped pass by some of the great d-linemen we got, just a great play against a guy like DK Metcalf and [Pat] Freiermuth. So I think there's a lot of different ways, but I'm super excited because I think this is the best division in football, so adding a guy like him, it's gonna make it even tougher."
Newsome is eager for the opportunity to face Rodgers at least twice in the 2025 season. The Browns cornerback didn’t shy away from expressing confidence, saying he believes he can pick off the future Hall of Famer in both Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
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Ex-Steelers WR George Pickens fighting with Greg Newsome II after a loss to the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
He’s clearly ready for the challenge and already looking forward to the division battles ahead.
"Honestly, A-Rod is right there up there with 'em," Newsome said. "That's one of the top five quarterbacks to ever lace 'em up. So that would be super amazing too."
Rodgers, known for his precision and elite decision-making, will likely take note of the comments. The veteran quarterback has built his career on protecting the football, and with Newsome publicly calling him out, he will be even more locked in during those AFC North matchups. Expect Rodgers to bring a little extra edge when lining up across from the Browns' defense.
With Rodgers now in the division, every Steelers-Browns game takes on added weight. Newsome’s bold prediction has only raised the intensity, and fans are already anticipating who will win the battle between the brash young corner and the seasoned quarterback. The rivalry just got a whole lot more interesting.
Steelers Still Feel As If Aaron Rodgers Has Some Vintage Moments Left
Rodgers may no longer be the same quarterback who won four NFL MVP Awards, but the Steelers still believe he has enough left to elevate their team in 2025. While his best years are behind him, Pittsburgh isn’t expecting Rodgers to carry the team on his own. They are relying on his experience, leadership, and poise to bring stability and raise the offense’s overall level of play.
Rodgers managed to win just five games with the New York Jets in 2024, a season filled with disappointment and dysfunction. Many believe the blame shouldn’t fall entirely on his shoulders. The Jets struggled with poor coaching, inconsistent line play, and locker room issues that made success difficult for any quarterback, let alone a veteran trying to adjust to a new team after returning from injury.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers smiles during a home game.
That context helps explain why Mike Tomlin and the Steelers remain confident in their decision. They believe Rodgers will thrive in a more organized environment and still has the ability to create big moments in key games. Pittsburgh sees him as the steady presence they need to contend in a tough AFC and finally make a deep postseason run.
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