Pittsburgh, PA (WFRV) – Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV MVP, is reportedly set to join the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and The Associated Press. The veteran quarterback is expected to arrive in the Steel City before the mandatory minicamps begin next week.
Rodgers, who was traded to the New York Jets after the 2022-23 season, faced a challenging tenure in New York. His time there was marred by injury, as he tore his Achilles tendon just four plays into his Jets debut in 2023, but he made a comeback in the 2024-25 season. Despite high hopes, both he and the Jets struggled throughout the year. The Jets experienced considerable off-field drama, leading to the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh.
In an unexpected twist, Rodgers reunited mid-season with his former favorite target, Davante Adams, who is now with the Los Angeles Rams. However, by the end of the season, speculation about retirement and potential trades surfaced, culminating in the Jets parting ways with Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut to alleviate salary cap pressures. This decision was confirmed by ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter as the new league year commenced on March 12, 2025.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers smiles during a game against the Miami Dolphins on December 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, File)
Now, as he joins the Steelers, Rodgers aligns with Mike Tomlin, the longest-tenured coach in major North American sports. He will add his experience to a quarterback room that includes recent draft pick Will Howard, 2022 draftee Skylar Thompson, and veteran Mason Rudolph.
The connections between Rodgers and the Steelers have been building for months. Rodgers made a discreet visit to the team’s facility back in March, opting for a low-key appearance. Despite the ongoing interest, he took time to focus on personal matters before finalizing a decision. In April, on “The Pat McAfee Show,” he expressed his need for full commitment before signing.
This partnership between Rodgers and Tomlin comes after years of mutual respect and admiration, demonstrated in memorable on-field exchanges. A notable moment occurred last fall when both shared mutual acknowledgment after an ingenious play attempt by Rodgers put the Steelers in a precarious position.
Looking ahead, Rodgers and the Steelers are set to host the Green Bay Packers on October 26, and he will also face off against his former team, the Jets, in the NFL season’s opening week.
Contributions from The Associated Press are acknowledged in this report.