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The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially agreed to terms with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers on a one-year deal, the team announced Thursday. The contract is pending a physical, ending months of speculation about the 41-year-old quarterback’s next move.
Rodgers is expected to fly to Pittsburgh on Friday and take part in next week’s mandatory minicamp, according to a report from ESPN.
Steelers Stayed Patient Throughout Rodgers’ Process
Rodgers visited the Steelers’ facility back on March 21 but waited nearly 70 days before making his decision. Despite the long delay, team sources said Pittsburgh never doubted he would eventually sign.
Now, Rodgers will make his Steelers debut in Week 1 — against his former team, the New York Jets, in a nationally spotlighted season opener.
Tomlin’s Influence, No QB in Early Draft Rounds
The Steelers didn’t draft a quarterback in the early rounds this year and planned to start Mason Rudolph if Rodgers chose to retire. They re-signed Rudolph after a brief stint in Tennessee and later used a sixth-round pick on Ohio State QB Will Howard.
Rodgers reportedly remained in constant contact with head coach Mike Tomlin, who played a major role in drawing the veteran to Pittsburgh. Sources said Tomlin was happy to let Rodgers make the decision on his own time.
Rodgers: ‘I Wasn’t Holding Anyone Hostage’
Rodgers addressed his situation in an April appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. He emphasized that he had been honest about prioritizing his personal life and wasn’t dragging the process out for drama.
“I wasn’t stringing anyone along and I wasn’t holding anyone hostage,” Rodgers said. “I was honest from the jump about where I was at mentally and some of the constraints I have in my life right now that warrant my 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.”
Rough Ending with Jets and a Mixed 2024 Season
Rodgers joined the New York Jets in 2023 after 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, where he won a Super Bowl following the 2010 season. A torn Achilles ended his first year in New York early, but he started every game in 2024.
His stats were solid but not elite — 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, with a QBR of 48.1 (ranked 25th among 32 starters). The Jets struggled, finishing 5-12 and ranking 24th in scoring.
Rodgers’ time with the Jets ended in March after a tense meeting with new head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey.
Public Appearances and Hints at Steelers Move
While the Steelers prepared for offseason workouts, Rodgers stayed active in the public eye. He was spotted throwing with new Steelers wideout DK Metcalf — acquired from the Seahawks — and attending the Kentucky Derby and Mike. concerts.
At one concert, a fan asked if he’d ever play for the Bears. Rodgers grinned and said, “No, but I believe there’s a team that might play in Chicago — for a road trip, I don’t know.” The Steelers visit the Bears in Week 12.
Other Teams Showed Interest, But Steelers Landed Him
The New York Giants also pursued Rodgers earlier this offseason, but they shifted direction after signing Russell Wilson on March 25. The Vikings spoke with Rodgers too but stayed committed to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Steelers’ Betting Odds Get a Boost
After the news of Rodgers’ signing, Pittsburgh’s betting odds improved across the board. ESPN BET moved the Steelers’ AFC North odds from +550 to +500, and their playoff odds from +150 to +140.
The betting line for their season opener against the Jets also shifted — Pittsburgh is now a 3-point favorite, up from 2.5.
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