The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most talked about organizations in the NFL throughout the 2025 offseason. Some of that has to do with the disastrous end to the 2024 season which led to the organization parting ways with quarterback Russell Wilson. Another topic of conversation has been the ongoing contract dispute with TJ Watt as he heads into the final year of his extension. The main storyline however, has been the signing of four-time league MVP, Aaron Rodgers. All signs were pointing to the veteran signing in Pittsburgh eventually, and the quarterback made things official just after Organized Team Activities (OTAs) ended.
Adam Hunger / ap photo
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers puts both his arms in the air to celebrate a big time touchdown at home during the 2024 NFL season.
Rodgers and the Steelers had been connected ever since free agency began, and the pairing became more and more likely as more options at the position flew off the board. The veteran took a secret visit to the facility earlier in the offseason, but he still waited until the first week of June to sign a deal. Many fans speculated about how the rest of the players on the roster would feel as Rodgers waited to join the Steelers, and young outside linebacker Nick Herbig spoke with the media about how he was feeling on Tuesday.
"It does feel a little different," Herbig said. "You know, obviously I love Mason [Rudolph], Will [Howard], and Skylar [Thompson], but it's just, you know, it's Aaron Rodgers. Like he a four-time MVP, he's won a Super Bowl, he's done it all at the highest level. He's seen the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. Just having a guy like that with his experience and knowledge and being able to pass that along, even though like I'm not a quarterback. Just having a guy like that around the team is awesome."
The way Herbig described things is probably how a lot of the younger players on the roster feel about Rodgers. He is a future Hall of Famer that is widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the game. His play has regressed in recent years as he has aged, but he can still be a top player at the position in the league. Herbig isn't a quarterback, but he spoke about learning from Rodgers, which could be good as the young player is currently a starting outside linebacker for Pittsburgh while Watt continues his holdout.
Frank Franklin II / ap photo
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
There are probably some players on the roster who take issue with the way Rodgers handled this entire situation, but the quarterback didn't really do anything wrong. The whole situation was annoying for many, but he was never under contract and he was upfront with the team. He is now in Pittsburgh for mandatory minicamp and committed. Most fans thought Rodgers would not be seen in the black and gold until training camp at the end of July, but the veteran made sure to make an appearance for minicamp.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Was Working With Coaches Behind The Scenes
Rodgers might not have been signed with the Steelers until after OTAs, but that does not mean he wasn't in constant communication with those within the organization. It was reported after he signed that he and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith stayed close throughout the offseason. This is a good sign, as it likely means that Rodgers already has a firm grip on the offense. It also implies that the two have been taking input from one another, which is good to hear based on the working relationship Smith had with Wilson in 2024.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith speaks with former quarterback Russell Wilson as the team practices at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The quarterback is looking to end his career on a high note, and Pittsburgh might be the perfect place to do it.
What do you think about Herbig's comments on Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!
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