Aaron Rodgers Signs One-Year Deal with Steelers

Aaron Rodgers took his time deciding, but he has now officially joined the Steelers. After weeks—months even—of speculation, the 42-year-old quarterback reached a one-year agreement with the team just before the start of off-season activities.

Rodgers, who had been mulling over his future, was generally expected to make his return to Pittsburgh. The Steelers seemed to think that he’d commit for a 22nd NFL season either before the NFL combine in February or ahead of the draft in April.

However, May 18 was the deadline, and it appears that the Steelers were growing impatient. Recently, on “The Rich Eisen Show,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero mentioned that the team might look elsewhere if Rodgers continued to delay his decision.

Speculation about retirement and alternative options had kept Rodgers in limbo. Yet, he finally informed Steelers’ officials of his choice just a few days prior to the mandatory minicamp, allowing the franchise to head into the summer with a clearer direction.

As it stands, the Steelers’ quarterback roster also includes Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Ala. Last season, Rodgers played a critical role in leading Pittsburgh to the playoffs, throwing 24 touchdowns against just seven interceptions and racking up over 3,300 passing yards.

Despite finishing the season with a 10-7 record in the AFC North, the Steelers faced a tough exit, losing 30-6 to the Texans in the wild card round. They have made the playoffs five times in the last six years, yet it’s been since 2016 that they’ve secured a postseason win.

It’s worth noting that longtime head coach Mike Tomlin recently stepped down after nearly two decades, with the team now led by former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, who also has a history with Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay.