Aaron Rodgers completes agreement, now set to join Pittsburgh Steelers squad
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Football fans rejoice! Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers sealed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the upcoming 2025 season, contingent on a physical evaluation.
The Steelers officially revealed the news on Thursday, signaling the arrival of another 20-year pro to their ranks after a grueling two-year stint with the New York Jets. Reporters Tom Pelissero from NFL Network and ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the exciting news first.
Pelissero shared that Rodgers is ready to hop on a flight to Pittsburgh to finalize the terms, aiming to hit the practice field with the Steelers next week. The Steelers' mandatory minicamp commences on Tuesday, meaning Rodgers won't waste any time settling into his new team.
Amidst the exciting news, CNN reached out to Rodgers' agent for additional insights. With this move, the rumors surrounding Rodgers' future landing spot cease, as the Super Bowl XLV champ steps into the Steel City.
Throughout the offseason, Rodgers engaged in open discussions with the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin. His previous statement, "I'm open to anything and attached to nothing," seems to echo confidence in the Steelers' offer.
With Rodgers at the helm, Pittsburgh should no longer rely on Mason Rudolph, who spent six seasons with the Steelers before securing a two-year contract to return in 2025. Steelers great Terry Bradshaw doesn't seem too thrilled with Rodgers replacing him, expressing reservations about a one-year tenure.
In an intriguing turn of events, the Steelers and Jets are set to go head-to-head in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium, presenting an opportunity for Rodgers to face his former teammate, Justin Fields. Rodgers joined the Jets in 2023, filled with high expectations for steering the franchise towards Super Bowl greatness. Unfortunately, his initial season turned sour with a torn Achilles tendon after just four snaps in his debut, rendering him sidelined for the rest of the campaign.
Though the 2024 season didn't fare much better for Rodgers and the Jets, finishing with a 5-12 record, the Steelers could take note of Rodgers' continued productivity, recording 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 games last season.
With Rodgers aboard, the Steelers are poised to solidify their quarterback room, joining the likes of Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard. Comparatively, Rodgers' deal with the Steelers is a remarkable discount from his previous contract with the New York Jets, boasting an average annual value of $37.5 million.
Additional details on the contract specifics reported by CNN:
- Base Salary: The base salary amounts to $13.65 million, placing Rodgers as the 22nd highest-paid quarterback based on base salary, with an opportunity to nudge into 21st position upon reaching performance incentives.
- Guaranteed Money: The contract includes $10 million guaranteed.
- Potential Earnings: The maximum value of the contract balloons to $19.5 million, accounting for $5.85 million in incentives tied to playtime and team performance.
- Signing Bonus: Although the exact signing bonus wasn't disclosed, the deal is structured with incentives and guarantees.
- Cap Charge: Rodgers’ minimum 2025 cap charge stands at $13.65 million, although it could potentially increase based on the probability of incentives being met.
In keeping with the recent developments, the Pittsburgh Steelers' newest addition, Aaron Rodgers, has set his sights on American football, choosing NFL football over the traditional version. The veteran quarterback will now have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the Steel City instead of steering the New York Jets towards Super Bowl greatness.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Steelers and their fans eagerly anticipate Rodgers' impact on the team's offensive strategy, hoping he'll help them secure a higher rank in the NFL, perhaps even competing for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
