When the news broke that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers had agreed to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the sports world collectively did a double take. Rodgers, 41, spent the bulk of his Hall of Fame–caliber career with the Green Bay Packers, and his most recent stop was a tumultuous two-year stint with the New York Jets. Now, he’s heading to the Steel City, a move that instantly reshapes expectations not only for the Steelers’ 2025 season but for Rodgers’ own legacy. Here’s everything you need to know about this blockbuster agreement—and why Steelers fans are buzzing.
Rodgers’ Journey: From Packers Legend to Steelers Starter
Aaron Rodgers’ football résumé is unparalleled: a Super Bowl XLV MVP, numerous MVP awards, even more respect due to the reputation for accuracy and for performing in clutch moments. For 20 years, he occupied the Green Bay Packers’ office, and while he likely didn’t mean to, he left a legacy of records and respect throughout the NFL. When the Packers moved on from him early in 2023, he signed a new contract with the New York Jets aiming to save a franchise that hadn’t sniffed a Super Bowl in decades. Unfortunately, the Jets’ idea of his future didn’t come to fruition when he was hurt in his first game and has yet to play again prior to spring 2024. He was able to return to football for the 2024 season and start every game for the 5-13 Jets, but both sides were ultimately ready to part ways in retaining free agency rights.
Aaron Rodgers has chosen to continue his journey in Pittsburgh—home of the five-time Super Bowl Champion Steelers—for what will almost certainly be the last season of his NFL career. He will wear black and gold (not green and gold) while playing for one of the most respected leaders in professional football, Mike Tomlin. However, the questions remain: can he overcome injury, age, and short expectations to lead a new franchise, and how will it influence the quarterback proposals and plans for the Steelers?
The Steelers’ QB Room Gets a Shock Welcome
Before the arrival of Rodgers, the quarterback depth chart for Pittsburgh had been focused in large part around Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2022 season, neither have had the opportunity to take the torch. In 2024, Trubisky started a total of 14 games, and while there were flashes of being productive, he was also inconsistent, throwing just over 3,200 yards for a total of 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for the season. Rudolph has been a third-string backup since 2018, while he has experience he has not taken over as a full time starting QB.
With the addition of Rodgers, any thought of the two aforementioned players getting even a sliver of a chance to do anything but be a backup has certainly been extinguished. At the very least, Rodgers will be the starting signal-caller for Pittsburgh at Week 1 in which would allow Trubisky and Rudolph to serve in either or both mentoring and/or backup roles. There have already been reports of Rodgers building chemistry with the other new Pittsburgh receivers including tight ends Pat Freiermuth and rookie Jordan Dean and wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Combined with the aforementioned weapons, Rodgers will have a core of talented players to step right into to make a difference.
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How This Deal Affects the Steelers’ 2025 Schedule and Playoff Hopes
Pittsburgh’s 2025 schedule suddenly looks tougher and more intriguing. The Steelers open at home against the Houston Texans, followed by road games against the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. Divisional matchups with the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals will become must-watch TV—especially if Rodgers can reclaim his MVP form.
Key dates to circle:
- Week 3: @ Bills (Buffalo’s defense tested Rodgers’ mobility)
- Week 7: vs. Ravens (Pittsburgh will need Rodgers to outduel Lamar Jackson)
- Week 10: @ Bengals (Joe Burrow vs. Rodgers—quarterback royalty on display)
Most analysts believe that, if healthy, Rodgers immediately boosts Pittsburgh’s playoff odds. The last time the Steelers reached the postseason was 2021, and they’ve missed the playoffs the last two years. With Rodgers, a rejuvenated offensive line, and a solid running back in Najee Harris, Pittsburgh could challenge for the AFC North title. Even if they finish behind the Ravens, a wildcard berth seems within reach.
What This Means for Rodgers’ Legacy
Rodgers’ 20-year legacy with the Packers is secure—four-time MVP, a Super Bowl champion, and the all-time leader in passer rating. He’s established himself as one of the greatest players in the game, producing playoff heroics for a Detroit team, and putting on display his skills in Thursday Night and Monday Night Football. But to come to the Steelers, with Pittsburgh’s loyal fanbase and their expectation of a brand of winning football is a totally different type of pressure. The fans only a couple decades ago witnessed Ben Roethlisberger produce two Super Bowls, and since he retired, it seems to have extinguished their pursuit of the Lombardi trophy every year.
If Rodgers should orchestrate a deep playoff run, or better yet a franchise turnaround, it would be a rather remarkable conclusion to his great career. Conversely, if he should fail then perhaps some slight undoing of an otherwise notable resume may come. Again, all the factors being considered, including his age and injury history, however, rendering a possible failure relative to his accomplishments to date. Either way, this season will provide memories not just from the play on the field, but what this season represents for Rodgers and his desire to attempt to win one last Lombardi.
Fan and Media Reactions: Heated Debates Ensue
The moment the Steelers announced Rodgers’ signing, social media exploded. #RodgersToSteelers trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social. Some fans immediately celebrated the move:
“Steelers have their QB-winner back in black and gold! Let’s go, #Rodgers!” — @SteelCityFaithful
Others expressed skepticism:
“At 41 with a torn Achilles history, is Rodgers really worth a 1-year deal for Pittsburgh?” — @NFLRealist
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg called it “one of the most fascinating offseasons in recent memory,” while CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora noted it “reshapes the AFC North overnight.” Analysts debate whether Rodgers can stay healthy and whether the supporting cast—especially the offensive line—can protect him against ferocious pass rushes like the Baltimore Ravens’.
Meanwhile, Packers fans expressed mixed emotions. Many thanked Rodgers for two decades of brilliance:
“Thanks for everything, MVP. But as a Packers fan, I can’t help but feel bittersweet.” -@PackersPride
And NFL historians couldn’t resist the irony: Rodgers faces his old team twice in 2025 (once in Green Bay, once in Pittsburgh), a narrative nobody could script better.
Beyond the Headlines: DK Metcalf and Other Rumblings
Rodgers’ signing didn’t shy away from rumors that weren’t solely about the immediate QB battle. There were also some whispers involving potentially a veteran wideout DK Metcalf who is still unsigned. Metcalf is coming off a 1,300 yard season in Seattle, he could hypothetically get to reunite with Rodgers – he was part of a rumored package last season when Rodgers was considering trades. Even though nothing happened, keep an eye on Metcaf’s free agency, because if he ends up in Pittsburgh, they instantly have a top 5 offense.
Rumors aside, the focus will be on Rodgers getting comfortable in an offense that was built for a mobile quarterback that can make plays in crunch time. Pittsburgh’s running back room, spearheaded by Najee Harris and buoyed by James Conner’s veteran wisdom, will help to keep the defense honest. The tight end combination of Freiermuth and rookie Jordan Dean gives Rodgers smart, versatile targets in the middle of the field, a component critical to getting settled under center.
Questions Remaining: Can He Stay Healthy? Is This a Rebuild or Reload?
Health is a major issue. In Week 1 of 2023, Rodgers tore his Achilles and missed the entire season. He returned in 2024 and played at a strong level, managing a less talented Jets offense, but there is no question he has taken a ton of hits over his career. The Pittsburgh medical staff and strength coaches must be meticulous in keeping him on the field. Normally reliable quarterbacks have had bad injuries late in their careers – Tom Brady, Brett Favre – but Rodgers’ mindset/preparation should give him a fighting chance.
A second question: Is this a real “win-now” scenario, or is it a sign of a soft-rebuild? Rodgers is 41, and is not part of any long-term plan, other than one push to get a title. The Pittsburgh front office has its own series of dilemmas: How high do they go while drafting the 2026 successor to Rodgers? How do they develop a quarterback behind Rodgers without disrupting their title aspirations this season?
Looking Ahead: Steelers Schedule 2025 and Beyond
With Rodgers under center, here are some key dates to watch on the Steelers schedule 2025:
- Week 1: vs. Texans (Home opener, Rodgers debuts in Pittsburgh)
- Week 3: @ Bills (Test against a top AFC opponent)
- Week 7: vs. Ravens (Divisional grudge match)
- Week 10: @ Bengals (Joe Burrow showdown)
- Week 12: vs. Jets (Rodgers returns to face his former team)
If Rodgers can navigate this gauntlet, Pittsburgh could ride his veteran savvy into January. Even if a Super Bowl trip remains a long shot, expect the Steelers to make serious noise in the AFC North.
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