Aaron Rodgers Joins the Pittsburgh Steelers

After an extended period of speculation, Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, officially signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in June. The team celebrated the announcement by sharing a photo of Rodgers signing his contract, cheekily captioned “Done Deal.”

The reaction to Rodgers’ move to Pittsburgh has been mixed among fans and sports analysts. For instance, former New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty referred to the notion of Rodgers returning to his MVP form as a “hoax.” He expressed skepticism about the quarterback’s ability to recover from injuries that have plagued him in recent seasons.

“It’s the Steelers we’re talking about—it’s really not even close,” Canty remarked during an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.” He further mentioned a lack of confidence in quarterbacks in general, citing Rodgers’ recent struggles with injuries and age. Canty didn’t seem to understand why people keep placing their faith in Rodgers year after year, pointing to his stint with the New York Jets as evidence.

Reports indicate that Rodgers’ contract is valued at approximately $13.65 million, with a $10 million guarantee. There are performance-based incentives that could increase the total to $19.5 million. However, Canty raised doubts about whether Rodgers’ addition would truly elevate the Steelers’ performance, especially given their previous season where they struggled with a high number of sacks allowed and lost a key player in running back Najee Harris to free agency.

This isn’t the first time Canty has shared his views on Rodgers and the Steelers. During a June appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers hinted that the upcoming 2025 season might be his last, expressing a desire for a quieter life after his football career. Canty questioned whether the veteran quarterback is genuinely committed to the Steelers’ upcoming season.

“This has the feel of Aaron Rodgers being a bit selfish,” Canty remarked. “Nothing he discussed on the McAfee Show had much to do with helping the Steelers compete for a championship; it was more about his love for the game.”

The Steelers confirmed that Rodgers will wear No. 8 this season. This is a change from his long-associated No. 12, which he wore during his time with the Green Bay Packers; that number is also historically significant for the Steelers due to Terry Bradshaw’s legacy. Last season, Rodgers had impressive stats, throwing for 3,897 yards, with 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.