The Pittsburgh Steelers were informed by the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player that he will be flying in on Friday to sign a one-year contract before minicamp begins next week, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo.
The team subsequently disclosed that they have reached an agreement with Rodgers on a one-year contract, subject to the completion of a physical.
Pelissero further stated that Rodgers is anticipated to be present on the field when minicamp commences on Tuesday.
In a time when numerous prominent free agents select new teams a day or two prior to the official commencement of free agency, Rodgers, who has always maintained his individuality, delayed until well after the 2025 NFL Draft to contemplate and determine his next course of action. Pittsburgh coincidentally did little in the draft to reduce the likelihood of the marriage, waiting until Day 3 to select a quarterback (Will Howard; No. 185 overall).
The Steelers were now confronted with a quarterback room that consisted of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Howard, which was one of the most apparent requirements in the NFL for a signal-caller who could make a significant impact.
Pittsburgh’s acquisition of the 41-year-old, barring a Rodgers retirement, was anticipated by both parties, particularly in light of the New York Giants’ signing of Russell Wilson — another potential suitor of Rodgers — and the numerous teams that secured quarterbacks through the draft.
Rodgers is emerging from a season that diminished his status as a premier quarterback. Despite the fact that the New York Jets experienced a 5-12 season, in which his head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas were terminated midseason, Rodgers was unable to make the impact that many had anticipated.
Nevertheless, Pittsburgh is delighted to have acquired a future Pro Football Hall of Famer who has accumulated 62,952 passing yards and 503 touchdowns. The acquisition is further complicated by the fact that the Steelers will play at the Jets to open the regular season on Sept. 7 and will host the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 26 on Sunday Night Football.
Rodgers’ perceived decline in the 2024 season is at least partially attributable to his exceptional record of accumulation of statistics over the course of his 20-year NFL career.
In 2024, he completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, despite the fact that he was not as accurate as he had been in the past and was less nimble due to a torn Achilles. When his final 10 games of the previous season are taken into account, his statistics are even more impressive: 2,234 yards, 18 touchdowns, and four interceptions, with a completion percentage of 64.
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