Aaron Rodgers' Steelers Contract Will Likely Shock Fans

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got clarity on the most pivotal position in all of sports on Thursday. After an offseason filled with rumors and speculation, it was officially revealed that Aaron Rodgers would be signing with the Steelers on Friday. Rodgers flew into Pittsburgh to put pen to paper, though the full details of the contract have not yet been released. Steelers fans are anxious to learn what the team is paying for their new 41-year-old quarterback.

Rodgers brings a wealth of experience and leadership, but his age and recent injury history have made his market value a major talking point. Fans and analysts alike are wondering whether the Steelers secured a bargain or committed significant money to land the veteran. The team's salary cap situation has made smart spending a priority, which has only increased interest in how they managed to get the deal done.

On Friday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport appeared on NFL Network to offer insight into what the Steelers may be paying Rodgers for the 2025 season. According to Rapoport, the deal is likely structured in a way that keeps the cap hit reasonable and avoids long-term risk. If that proves true, it could be a win for Pittsburgh, giving them both a Hall of Fame talent at quarterback and the financial flexibility to keep building around him.

"I actually would expect the base to be somewhere around [$10 million] with some incentives to get a little higher," Rapoport said. "It's not going to be a big-money deal. That is not what it's about. It is about finishing Rodgers' career right, for the Pittsburgh Steelers to go deeper into the playoffs. All sides hope that is now the case with Aaron Rodgers officially landing in Pittsburgh."

The very first part of Rapoport’s report that should excite Steelers fans is the price tag. At just $10 million, the deal for Rodgers isn’t going to break the bank. While that number hasn't been made official or known. It's based off what Rodgers himself said when he went on The Pat McAfee Show earlier in the offseason.

In fact, it’s a far more affordable option than many expected, especially for a future Hall of Fame quarterback. For Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office, this represents a best-case scenario when considering the quarterbacks that were available this offseason and the team’s current roster situation. It gives Pittsburgh a veteran leader without sacrificing the financial flexibility needed to address other roster needs.

Committing a large sum of money to a 41-year-old quarterback is never without risk, and Rodgers does come with questions about his age and recent injury history. But when that price is only $10 million for a four-time league MVP, the potential reward heavily outweighs the cost. 

Rodgers may not be the player he once was, but if he has even one more productive year left in him, it could be just enough to elevate a Steelers team that already has a championship-caliber defense. The front office clearly believes that this low-risk, high-upside move could help end the team’s recent playoff struggles.

Steelers Have Very Smart Incentives Lined Up For Aaron Rodgers

According to Rapoport, the contract is also expected to include performance-based incentives, with deep playoff success likely being a key trigger. That structure makes sense for both sides. It protects the team financially while giving Rodgers the chance to earn more if he delivers results on the field. 

The whole purpose of signing Rodgers is to win a playoff game and make a deep postseason run. Tomlin hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Knowing that incentives for a deep playoff run will be included in the contract is very exciting.

For Steelers fans, this deal offers real hope. It signals that the organization is still focused on winning now and doing so in a smart, calculated way. With Rodgers under center and the defense ready to compete, Pittsburgh’s window for contention might be opening wider than many expected in the 2025 season.