Why Aaron Rodgers to Steelers isn't a shocker

The decision is hardly surprising.

Pelissero reported contract parameters have been in place for months, which makes this wait-and-see process even more exasperating for Steelers  fans.

There were multiple indicators that this deal would become official at some point ahead of the 2025 season. Pittsburgh didn't use a premium draft pick on a quarterback, taking Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round.

Additionally, the NFL may have had an inkling the deal was a matter of time based on the four primetime games the Steelers have in 2025. The Steelers also will play in the NFL Dublin Game, hosting the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Ireland. Pittsburgh will play both of Rodgers' former teams — at the New York  Jets on Sept. 7 and at home against the Packers on Oct. 26.

Rodgers visited Pittsburgh on March 28, a meeting head coach Mike Tomlin called "productive." The following week, during the owners' meetings, team president Art Rooney II told reporters that things were "pointing in the right direction" regarding Rodgers joining the Steelers. 

Nonetheless, Pittsburgh finally has its quarterback situation solidified. It continues the recent trend of a revolving door at the position since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. 

Since Roethlisberger retired following the 2021-22 season, the Steelers have had five different starting quarterbacks (Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson). Rodgers will be Pittsburgh's sixth starting quarterback in four years.

Acquiring and then signing DK WR Metcalf to a five-year, $150M contract after giving up a 2025 second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks was also a telling sign that Tomlin and Steelers brass were confident about adding Rodgers.

Rodgers is not the same player he was during his Packers heyday, but Pittsburgh had limited options. Trading for Atlanta backup Kirk Cousins was floated, but taking on a player with nearly $100M in guaranteed money is not attractive. Meanwhile, per Pelissero, Rodgers "told teams he would play for $20 million" this season.

Rodgers may not deliver anything monumental besides a playoff appearance, but the Steelers have upgraded their QB room and supplied themselves with stability at the position — at least for this season.