With the start of 2025 training camp continuing to grow closer, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves with a four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback at their disposal. After signing a one-year deal worth up to just under $20 million (with incentives), Aaron Rodgers is expected to play a key role as the centerpiece of Pittsburgh's offense. Rodgers, who is entering his 21st NFL season, is a veteran that is many years removed from his prime, but may prove to still be an elite quarterback.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Tuesday June 10, 2025.
Fresh off a failed two year tenure with the New York Jets, Rodgers should have no problem developing a connection with DK Metcalf and the rest of the Steelers' weapons on offense. Rodgers' time in New York was highlighted by injuries and mediocrity, as a brutal Achilles injury suffered on the opening drive of the season cost him the entire year in 2023.
Rodgers had a solid bounce-back performance in 2024, as the veteran quarterback was credited with 28 touchdowns and just under 3,900 total yards passing. As Rodgers continues to look more like himself following the injury, NFL analyst Jeremy Fowler took a moment to speak about Rodgers' improvement.
"Especially the [NFL] coaches; when you talk to them, they look at it as a bottom line, like how do we get better? And they see the Steelers as vastly better now than they were just a couple of months ago." Fowler stated. "I know fans like to see teams scale it back or even try to tank, but we know that's not the Steelers way."
Fowler then went on to speak about Rodgers' play during his time in New York in 2024, claiming multiple members of the Jets' coaching staff were "more than happy" with the veteran's efforts in 2024.
"These [NFL] coaches say he could play last year, especially the Jets' coaches that I talked to. They were more than happy with the way he played, and they feel like year two, coming off that Achillies tear, he'll be even better."
Entering his second season following the injury, Rodgers is expected to shine during his time in Pittsburgh. The former Jet may play a massive role off the field as well, as Rodgers has publicly committed to mentoring rookie Will Howard. Howard, who was selected in the sixth round of this years draft, is a promising rookie that should become a major beneficiary of the four-time MVP's presence.
With Rodgers officially in Pittsburgh, the quarterback is expected to turn his attention towards learning the Steelers' playbook and further developing his connection with the wide receiver room.
Consisting of Calvin Austin lll, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods and Metcalf, the Steelers wide receiver room features a mix of both young and veteran players. Pittsburgh may choose to evaluate other options in free agency as well, despite both Metcalf and Austin continuing to emerge as top options for Rodgers.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf during the team's 2025 minicamp.
Steelers Emerging As A Top Landing Spot For Rodgers' Former Teammate
With Austin continuing to turn heads and shine throughout the offseason, Pittsburgh has shifted gears towards adding depth behind their top two options. While many options remain available in free agency, Pittsburgh finds themselves at the center of multiple rumors surrounding Jets' wide receiver Allen Lazard. Lazard, who was teammates with Rodgers in Green Bay and New York, is a solid veteran who may prove to be a serviceable option.
The New York Times
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers with former teammate Allen Lazard.
Lazard thrived throughout his years with Rodgers in Green Bay, as the former Packer struggled during his time in New York. The veteran may come as a cheaper option as well, as Lazard is in the later stage of his career. With Lazard expected to be cut by the Jets in the near future, fans should continue to monitor the situation closely.
As Rodgers continues to prepare for the start of training camp, head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff remain optimistic that the quarterback will continue to play more like himself following the injury.
Rodgers is just four years removed from winning MVP in 2021, as coaches all around the league continue to remain confident that the former Packer will get back to playing at that level this season. With the future Hall of Famer set to carry the Steelers' offense in 2025, fans should expect to get their first glimpse at their new quarterback in full pads at the start of training camp.
Do you think Rodgers will play at an elite level in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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