With Aaron Rodgers On One-Year Deal, Steelers Look To Rebuild

Aaron Rodgers agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced last week, as it ends months of uncertainty around his future and uniting the four-time MVP with a franchise that desperately needs quarterback help.

The news comes more than 80 days after the start of free agency and 70 days after Rodgers visited the Steelers, which makes this signing long overdue. Rodgers joined the Steelers at this week’s mandatory minicamp.

The deal with the Steelers sets up a Week 1 showdown between Rodgers and his former team, the New York Jets, who will host the Steelers in the season opener.

After the Steelers let both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields leave in free agency, Rodgers has been linked with them for some time. Rodgers visited the team’s practice facility on March 21 and remained in contact with the organization while weighing his options about his future.

The Steelers did not use a high draft pick on a quarterback in the NFL Draft and were set to enter their mandatory offseason program with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and sixth-round rookie Will Howard rounding out their quarterback room.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin loomed large throughout the process and was a drawing card for Rodgers. Tomlin was happy to work within Rodgers’ timeline this offseason.

“I wasn’t stringing anyone along. I wasn’t holding anyone hostage,” Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show in an appearance on April 17. “I was honest from the jump about where I was at mentally and some of the constraints I have in my life right now that warrant my attention. … I’m open to anything and attached to nothing. Retirement may still be a possibility, but right now, my focus has been—and will continue to be—on my personal life. And that’s what I’ve told the coaches. There’s still conversations that are being had. It’s all been very honest lines of communication.”

The Steelers’ contract is pending a physical.

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Article by James Van Wickler