Aaron Rodgers Set to Sign with Pittsburgh Steelers, Ending Free Agency Saga
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter, ending months of speculation about his NFL future and providing the Steelers with a much-needed answer at quarterback.
The reported deal comes over 80 days into free agency and 70 days after Rodgers visited Pittsburgh’s facility. According to sources, Rodgers is scheduled to fly to Pittsburgh on Friday and join the team ahead of next week’s mandatory minicamp.
Rodgers Linked to Steelers Throughout Offseason
Rodgers, 41, became a free agent earlier this offseason after parting ways with the New York Jets. Despite early interest from several teams, he remained unsigned while weighing retirement and personal priorities. The Steelers remained a consistent contender throughout the process, especially after letting Russell Wilson and Justin Fields leave in free agency and opting not to draft a quarterback early.
Rodgers’ potential move to Pittsburgh was foreshadowed by multiple signs during the offseason. He had a throwing session in California with new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf and made a cryptic joke at a concert about visiting Chicago — a nod to Pittsburgh’s Week 12 matchup against the Bears.
Steelers Gain Hall of Fame-Caliber Quarterback
Rodgers brings a Hall of Fame résumé to Pittsburgh, including a Super Bowl title and four MVP awards. Though his tenure with the Jets was rocky — including a torn Achilles in 2023 and inconsistent play in 2024 — he still managed 3,897 passing yards and 28 touchdowns last season.
Rodgers’ relationship with the Jets deteriorated following a tense offseason meeting with new head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey. He later said on The Pat McAfee Show that he was honest about needing time for personal matters and wasn’t intentionally delaying any team’s plans.
Mike Tomlin’s Role and the Steelers’ Patience Pay Off
Sources credit Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin as a key factor in landing Rodgers. Tomlin reportedly gave Rodgers space to make his decision and maintained open communication throughout the process.
While waiting for Rodgers, the Steelers re-signed Mason Rudolph and added rookie QB Will Howard in the sixth round, but they made no aggressive moves for other veteran starters. Their patience appears to have paid off.
Rodgers Rejected Other Offers, Including from Giants and Vikings
Rodgers also received interest from the New York Giants, who eventually signed Russell Wilson, and the Minnesota Vikings, who remain committed to developing first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Pittsburgh was reportedly the only team willing to give Rodgers both the starting role and flexibility in his timeline.
Betting Markets React to Rodgers News
Following the news of Rodgers’ expected signing, ESPN BET adjusted several odds in favor of the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s odds to win the AFC North improved from +550 to +500, and their playoff chances rose from +150 to +140. The Steelers also moved from 2.5-point to 3-point favorites in their Week 1 game against the Jets.
