Jeremy Fowler reveals how Steelers maintained Aaron Rodgers pursuit, says team felt ‘relief’

“Constant communication,” Fowler said on NFL Live when asked how the Steelers and Rodgers got to the finish line. “Mike Tomlin, OC Arthur Smith talking up with Rodgers the last few weeks just to make sure everybody was comfortable. Meaningful conversations. And then, I was told Thursday morning inside the Steelers’ building is when this really started to intensify and actually some relief set in because everybody there, everybody involved felt that this was going to happen. They expected it. But they never got an affirmative yes until that point. That’s when the ball got rolling. Now, everybody’s excited.

“They gave Rodgers time, too, with the personal matter he had. I was told that that was big for them to just try to be patient through this process, let him work that out. That was real. Now, they got him. They believe he’s been in excellent shape training in L.A. and he’s ready to go.”

Rodgers’ signing comes as the Steelers get ready for mandatory minicamp, which appeared to be a de facto deadline for a deal to come together. Now age 41, he takes over as the expected starting quarterback in Pittsburgh after Rudolph appeared to sit atop the depth chart after returning to the franchise.

Aaron Rodgers’ signing is the latest notable move the Steelers made this offseason. They made a major trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf and gave him a lucrative contract extension upon his arrival. Running back Kaleb Johnson is also on his way in after going in the third round of the draft.

Pittsburgh might not be done yet, though. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Steelers renewed talks with the Miami Dolphins about a potential trade for tight end Jonnu Smith after his breakout season in 2024.