Steelers DT addresses locker room's reaction to signing of Aaron Rodgers

Some members of the NFL community previously suggested that Pittsburgh Steelers players "would feel some type of way" about quarterback Aaron Rodgers skipping the bulk of springtime workouts.

Nevertheless, Rodgers agreed to a team-friendly contract to join the Steelers shortly ahead of their three-day mandatory minicamp that wrapped up on June 12.

During an appearance on the latest edition of the "Off the Air with Matt Randazzo" podcast, defensive tackle Logan Lee strongly indicated he and others within Pittsburgh's locker room warmly welcomed Rodgers as one of their own in June. 

"He came in and gave the team a great speech," Lee said about Rodgers' first interactions with his new teammates, as shared by Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. "I think we're bought in for the meantime. He's got a resume that you cannot argue with. Like [head coach Mike Tomlin] always says, we are in the business of winning football games. I think that bringing him in gives us a great chance to do that."

Per Shanna McCarriston of CBS Sports, Steelers starting center Zach Frazier revealed earlier in June that Rodgers addressed the team at the start of its mandatory minicamp and insisted that he's "all in" on helping the franchise pursue its first playoff victory since the 2016 campaign. 

Rodgers may no longer be what he was when in his physical prime, but, understandably, players such as Frazier and Lee would believe the 41-year-old is the best quarterback on the Pittsburgh roster this summer. 

QB2 Mason Rudolph is a longtime backup who can be a serviceable spot-starter for a club. Will Howard is a 2025 sixth-round draft pick and a developmental project for the future. It seems unlikely that Skylar Thompson will take a meaningful in-game snap for the Steelers this coming season unless disaster strikes the organization. 

"I'm looking forward to being able to work with a 21-year vet," Lee added about Rodgers. "That's crazy. You don't hear that very often...We're looking forward to it. We just want to win football games. Whoever helps us get there, we're looking forward to investing in them."

Multiple stories have noted how Rodgers made a positive impression across his first few days of practicing as a Pittsburgh player. The vibes within the Steelers are high amid the club's summer break, but it remains to be seen how Rodgers and Co. will get along through the inevitable ups and downs all teams face during a grueling NFL season.