PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Diya TV) — Aaron Rodgers is officially joining the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract, setting the stage for a new chapter in the veteran quarterback’s storied career. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer informed the team Thursday that he would fly to Pittsburgh Friday to sign the deal ahead of next week’s minicamp, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo. The Steelers confirmed they had agreed to terms with Rodgers, pending a physical.
Rodgers is expected to be on the field when minicamp starts Tuesday, Pelissero added, marking a swift start to his tenure in black and gold.
In a free agency period marked by rapid decisions from many star players, Rodgers took his time, waiting until after the 2025 NFL Draft to make his next move. Pittsburgh’s draft activity — selecting quarterback Will Howard late on Day 3 and otherwise making no major moves to shore up its QB room — left an obvious opening. The Steelers were facing a quarterback roster consisting of Howard, Mason Rudolph, and Skylar Thompson, none of whom had firmly claimed the starting job. Rodgers’ arrival addresses what has been one of the team’s biggest needs.
Rodgers’ decision comes after the New York Giants signed Russell Wilson, another contender in the quarterback market, and several teams invested in rookies during the draft. His choice to join Pittsburgh, barring an unexpected retirement, seemed the most natural fit for both sides.
The move follows a challenging 2024 season for Rodgers, who struggled to meet expectations with the New York Jets during a disappointing 5-12 campaign. The Jets’ midseason firing of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas cast a shadow over the veteran’s performance. Still, Rodgers ended the year with respectable numbers, completing 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His final 10 games showcased a stronger finish with 2,234 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, according to Pelissero.
Despite recent struggles, Rodgers brings a remarkable career resume: 62,952 passing yards and 503 touchdowns. His addition instantly upgrades Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation and adds considerable intrigue to the Steelers’ 2025 schedule. Notably, Pittsburgh opens the regular season against Rodgers’ former team, the Jets, on Sept. 7, and later hosts the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 26 in a prime Sunday Night Football matchup.
Rodgers effectively swaps places with Justin Fields, who agreed to join the Jets after Pittsburgh traded him away. The Steelers’ receiving corps is somewhat in flux but includes key targets like DK Metcalf, acquired from the Seahawks, and tight end Pat Freiermuth, the team’s leading receiver in 2024. With George Pickens traded to Dallas, Calvin Austin III, veteran Robert Woods, and rookie Roman Wilson are expected to compete for the No. 2 wide receiver spot.
For Rodgers, Pittsburgh offers an ideal environment for redemption following his difficult final year in New York. The Steelers consistently boast a strong defense and a winning culture, with their last losing season predating Rodgers’ NFL debut by several years.
One storyline to watch is how Rodgers will mesh with head coach Mike Tomlin. Known for his commanding presence and leadership, Tomlin will work alongside a quarterback known for his own influential personality. Fourteen years ago, Rodgers bested Tomlin and the Steelers en route to a Super Bowl victory. Now, the veteran QB hopes to join forces with the team and coach he once defeated, aiming for a second championship.
