Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin are taking their long-standing relationship to a new level. The four-time NFL MVP has ended months of uncertainty by agreeing to a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, pending a physical exam. The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.
Rodgers and the Steelers had been in talks for several months. He even made a low-profile visit to the team’s facility in late March, arriving in an unassuming car and wearing a hat and sunglasses to stay under the radar.
After their meeting, both sides spoke positively, but Rodgers delayed signing. On “The Pat McAfee Show” in April, he explained his focus had been on supporting people close to him who were facing challenges, and he wanted to be fully ready before committing. Now, with mandatory minicamp approaching, Rodgers appears ready to dedicate himself to the Steelers.
Rodgers steps into a team that has struggled to find stability at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. He will likely compete with Mason Rudolph, who re-signed with the Steelers earlier this year, to be Pittsburgh’s fifth different starting quarterback in five seasons.
Despite constant changes at quarterback, the Steelers have remained somewhat competitive, reaching the playoffs four times in five years, though they have suffered heavy losses each postseason.
Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, who led the team to a 10-7 record and a playoff spot last year, have both moved on—Fields to the New York Jets and Wilson to the New York Giants. This left the Steelers and Rodgers as the most practical option for each other.
For Rodgers, this is a chance to rewrite the final chapters of his Hall of Fame career after two disappointing seasons with the Jets. While not a long-term answer, Rodgers is the best available veteran after the Steelers passed on drafting a quarterback early, opting instead for a late-round pick from Ohio State, Will Howard.
This new partnership reunites Rodgers with Mike Tomlin, the longest-serving head coach in major North American professional sports, after years of mutual respect and playful interactions that gained attention. Last fall, for example, they exchanged nods during a game after Tomlin used a timeout to prevent a penalty from a quick snap by Rodgers.
The Steelers hope Rodgers still has the physical ability and elite football IQ to contribute. Last season, he threw for 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, performing steadily despite the Jets’ turmoil on and off the field.
Rodgers’ off-field drama often overshadowed his play as the Jets dealt with coaching changes and a 5-12 record. Meanwhile, the Steelers are no strangers to managing high-profile, sometimes unpredictable players, ranging from Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
This offseason, Pittsburgh made moves to strengthen its wide receiver corps, acquiring two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf from Seattle and signing him to a five-year contract, hoping to bring stability and maturity.
At quarterback, however, Pittsburgh stayed patient. Both Tomlin and team president Art Rooney II left open the possibility of Fields or Wilson returning but took no significant steps to retain either. Rudolph was brought back but is expected to serve as backup.
As available veteran quarterbacks became scarce, Rodgers emerged as the clear choice. His signing is seen as a temporary fix, giving the Steelers a chance to stay competitive while preparing for a long-term quarterback solution, likely in the 2026 draft.
For now, Rodgers and Pittsburgh will work together in this practical, if not ideal, arrangement — a partnership born from necessity and mutual benefit.
