Despite a lengthy wait, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally find themselves with a true starting caliber quarterback in Aaron Rodgers for 2025. Rodgers, who was rumored to sign with Pittsburgh for a number of months now, agreed to a one-year deal worth up to just under $20 million. Entering what is more than likely the final season of his NFL career, Rodgers is a player that is far past his prime, but is still expected to play a massive role as the Steelers' starting quarterback this year.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to make a throw as the team works out during 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
With the rest of the Pittsburgh quarterback room consisting of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard, the Steelers find themselves with solid depth, as almost every quarterback in the group is in a different stage of their career. Rodgers may prove to play a major role off the field as well, as the four-time league MVP has publicly committed to mentoring Howard throughout his rookie season. Howard, who was drafted in the sixth round this year out of Ohio State, is a promising rookie that is expected to get an opportunity in the future. As Pittsburgh continues to prepare towards the start of training camp next month, insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to share his thoughts on the current state of the Steelers' quarterback room.
"I think it's a better group than it has been in a long, long time," Kaboly stated. "You got the guy that can produce now, the guy who can produce as a bridge guy, and the potential for a long-term guy."
Kaboly then went on to mention that he believes this is the best group of quarterbacks Pittsburgh has seen in a very long time, while also highlighting the possibility of things not working out.
"You got every level covered right now," Kaboly explained. "And maybe they all don't work out, but I think they are in a better position than they have been in in a very long time."
With Rodgers set to be the team's starting quarterback in Week 1 barring any injuries, the future Hall of Famer is expected to focus on further developing his connection with the Steelers' wide receiver room. Rodgers, 41, is an experienced veteran, but struggled during his two-year tenure with the New York Jets. His time in New York is highlighted by injuries and mediocrity, as a torn Achilles left him sidelined for most of the 2023 season, only to be followed by an underwhelming performance in 2024.
As Rodgers finally finds himself in Pittsburgh and his time in New York behind him, Howard is expected to be a top beneficiary of Rodgers' presence. Howard, a five-year college veteran who split time between Kansas State and Ohio State, is an impressive rookie who has reportedly looked very solid throughout the offseason. He was widely regarded as one of the top steals of the 2025 NFL Draft and should have no problem shining throughout the preseason. He is expected to enter the year as Pittsburgh's third string quarterback.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Will Howard drops back during his rookie minicamp in 2025.
Steelers Will Need Young Receivers To Step Up In 2025 To Help QB Position
As the Steelers continue their preparation towards the start of training camp, the team finds themselves still assessing their offensive weapons. DK Metcalf, who was acquired earlier in the offseason in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to play a major role on Pittsburgh's offense in 2025 and should be a major beneficiary of Rodgers' presence as well. While all options remain on the table, Calvin Austin lll continues to shine throughout the offseason and was recently labeled as Pittsburgh's current WR2 by Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Calvin Austin III works out in Pittsburgh during the 2025 offseason.
As the Steelers finally find themselves with an answer at the quarterback position, Rodgers is set to make an impact both on and off the field. Pittsburgh's current quarterback room features a promising mix of both older and younger quarterbacks, but they'll all need help from Pittsburgh's young receiving corps. That will include Metcalf, Austin, and second-year receiver, Roman Wilson.
Do you think Rodgers will shine during his time in Pittsburgh? Comment below!
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