The long wait is over for the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Thursday, June 6, 2025, the team officially announced that four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers has agreed to terms on a one-year deal.
This pivotal signing ends months of speculation surrounding Rodgers’ future, uniting the future Hall of Famer with a franchise in desperate need of a veteran signal-caller. The Steelers confirmed the contract is pending a physical examination.
The Road to Pittsburgh: A Lingering Pursuit
The Steelers’ pursuit of Rodgers has been a persistent storyline throughout the NFL offseason.
Months of Uncertainty End
The news of Rodgers’ agreement comes more than 80 days after the start of free agency and 70 days since his initial visit to the Steelers’ facility. Sources close to ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicate that Rodgers, 41, plans to fly to Pittsburgh on Friday, June 7, 2025, to join the team ahead of their mandatory minicamp next week.
Sources also confirmed to Schefter that the Steelers never wavered in their belief that Rodgers would eventually sign with them, demonstrating their unwavering commitment.
Offseason Speculation and Decisions
Rodgers had been consistently linked with the Steelers throughout the offseason, especially after Pittsburgh chose not to retain quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who departed as free agents. His visit to the team’s practice facility on March 21 solidified the connection, and communication continued while Rodgers weighed his options for over two months.
The Steelers notably did not use a high draft pick on a quarterback in April, signaling their intent to pursue a veteran. They had been prepared to enter their mandatory offseason program with Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback before the Rodgers agreement.
Key Influences and Rodgers’ Perspective
Several factors played a role in Rodgers’ decision, including the strong relationship with the Steelers’ head coach.
Mike Tomlin’s Role
Longtime Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was a significant drawing card for Rodgers throughout the process, according to Schefter’s sources. Tomlin was reportedly content to work within Rodgers’ personal timeline this offseason, demonstrating patience and understanding.
Rodgers’ Stance on His Future
Rodgers himself addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future in an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on April 17. He stated, “I wasn’t stringing anyone along. I wasn’t holding anyone hostage.” Rodgers emphasized his honesty about his mental state and personal constraints that required his attention. “I’m open to anything and attached to nothing.
Retirement could still be a possibility, but right now my focus has been — and will continue to be — on my personal life. And that’s what I’ve told the coaches. There’s still conversations that are being had. It’s all been very honest lines of communication.”
Past Performance and Market Impact
Rodgers’ recent history with the Jets and the immediate impact of his signing.
New York Jets Stint
Rodgers was released by the Jets in March, just one month after what he described as a contentious meeting with new coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. He originally joined New York in 2023 after an illustrious 18-season career with the Green Bay Packers, where he famously won a Super Bowl following the 2010 season. His first season with the Jets was cut short by a torn Achilles in his debut. Last season, he started every game, but his overall performance was uneven.
He passed for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns (third on the Jets’ single-season record list) but also threw 11 interceptions, finishing with a QBR of 48.1 (25th out of 32 qualified NFL passers). The Jets’ offense underperformed in 2024, finishing 24th in scoring, and the team ended the season with a disappointing 5-12 record.
Steelers’ Strategic Additions
While awaiting Rodgers’ decision, the Steelers made other additions to their quarterback room, including reuniting with Mason Rudolph after his season in Tennessee. The organization maintained that Rodgers would not influence their draft plans. They bypassed quarterbacks in earlier rounds, waiting until the sixth to select Ohio State quarterback Will Howard.
During voluntary offseason workouts, Rodgers also held a throwing session in California with new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, whom Pittsburgh acquired from the Seahawks on the eve of free agency. Rodgers’ public appearances, including a Kentucky Derby party and Mike. concerts, provided subtle hints about his impending decision, notably a grin-filled remark about a road trip to Chicago (where the Steelers will visit the Bears in Week 12).
Betting Market Shift
News of the Rodgers-Steelers agreement immediately impacted the betting market. The Steelers’ odds of winning the AFC North improved from +550 to +500 on ESPN BET on Thursday. Their odds to make the playoffs also shifted from +150 to +140. Furthermore, Pittsburgh moved to a 3-point favorite in their season opener against Rodgers’ former team, the New York Jets, up from 2.5 points before the announcement.
This Week 1 showdown between Rodgers and his old team will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event. Rodgers had also received an offer from the Giants, who ultimately signed Russell Wilson, and engaged in talks with the Vikings, who remained committed to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback.
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