Category: Football

The four-time MVP can still sling it, and he can help the Steelers end their playoff drought

Mercifully, the months-long will-he-won’t-he game is over. Aaron Rodgers is officially the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers – but now what? What is the ceiling of this team? How far can they go? And what will Rodgers look like in his 21st year in the NFL? There are plenty of questions that still remain, even with Rodgers answering the biggest one. One thing seems pretty evident, though, and it’s that the Steelers are banking on the fact that Rodgers still has it and that he can prove a lot of people wrong – much like his former predecessor Brett Favre did in 2009.

Like Favre, Rodgers went to the New York Jets after a long career with the Green Bay Packers, and both stints didn’t exactly go as planned. Favre looked poised to lead New York to a playoff berth after an 8-3 start, but the Jets lost four of their final five games and missed the playoffs. Favre threw 22 touchdowns and 22 interceptions that season, and it looked as if that would be an unceremonious sunset season for the three-time MVP. However, in 2009, he joined the Minnesota Vikings and looked like a completely different player.

That season, Favre recaptured some of his former glory at age 40, throwing 33 touchdowns to just seven interceptions, which was the lowest total in a full season for his career. He also topped 4,200 yards passing for the first time since 1998 en route to leading the Vikings to an improbable appearance in the NFC Championship Game. And if not for a patented awful Favre interception late in the fourth quarter, the Vikings likely would have won and gone on to face Peyton Manning and the Colts in the Super Bowl.

Is Aaron Rodgers Still Good?

I say all that to say this – Rodgers showed he still has some gas in the tank in 2024. Despite the Jets being a tire fire, Rodgers had 28 touchdown passes, which ranked sixth in the NFL. He averaged more yards per game than Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, Kyler Murray, C.J. Stroud, and Josh Allen, and his 90.5 passer rating was hovering around the league average of 92.3.

Rodgers’ arm talent was still very evident in 2024, as well. He finished seventh in the NFL in big-time throws with 26, and also didn’t put the ball in harm’s way, finishing with the third-lowest turnover-worthy play percentage of all quarterbacks with at least 150 dropbacks in 2024, per PFF.

To continue, Rodgers had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season, which is practically kryptonite for an older signal-caller. Of the 44 quarterbacks with 150 dropbacks, he finished 33rd in average time to throw. Rodgers also didn’t get any help from the run game, as the Jets finished with the second-fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL. To compare, Justin Fields had the third-longest time to throw, while Russell Wilson finished in the upper half, as well, at 16th. The Steelers also had the 11th most rushing yards per game in 2024. Plug Aaron Rodgers into that offense last season, and it isn’t crazy to say they’d win at least one more game, which could have changed the outlook of their postseason fortunes, as well.

This isn’t to say that Rodgers is still the guy who was tossing 48 touchdowns to five interceptions back in 2020 – he isn’t. But he also hasn’t fallen off a cliff like some would suggest. Now in a more stable organization with a good head coach, a good No. 1 recevier, a solid offensive line and running back duo, as well as a strong defense on the other side of him, there’s no reason to believe Rodgers can’t have his own renaissance year like Favre did 16 years ago and help the Steelers end this playoff-win drought.

The tight end’s season is officially over.

The Steelers have officially lost tight end Donald Parham Jr. for the season following reports of a torn Achilles tendon at OTAs earlier this week.

On Thursday afternoon, soon buried under the avalanche of Aaron Rodgers news, the team announced they have placed the veteran tight end on the injured reserve list.

Parham signed with the Steelers on a one-year deal in February. He was expected to compete for a spot on the team’s 53-man roster. In 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers, the 6’8 receiving tight end had the best season of his career, logging 27 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns.

Still just 27 years old, Parham has bounced around the NFL over his career, originally breaking out with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL. However, he’s already suffered a number of injuries over his career, landing on injured reserve with the Chargers in both 2021 and 2022.

Following Parham’s torn Achilles, tight end looks like a potential roster need for the Steelers are training camp approaches.

The Steelers’ season, and the opener, just got a whole lot more entertaining.

The NFL schedule-makers made a gamble when putting together the league’s Week 1 slate, and it couldn’t have worked out much better following the confirmation that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will finally be signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It’s the season opener for both the Steelers and Jets. Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. EST, MetLife Stadium. It might be must-watch television.

Well, we have yet to know if either team will be fun to watch, especially on offense. But the storylines already look riveting.

The headline is the quarterback swap. Justin Fields was imperfect last season but led the Steelers to a 4-2 start before being benched the rest of the year in favor of Russell Wilson.

There was talk of Fields re-signing with Pittsburgh this offseason after Wilson wasn’t brought back, but instead Fields went to the Jets on a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed.

Then there was Rodgers, jettisoned from New York after being heralded as the franchise’s savior just two seasons earlier. After a long wait, the future Hall of Famer finally agreed to sign with the Steelers. Reports have indicated it will be a one-year contract, somewhere in the $20 million range — just about Fields’ new yearly average with the Jets.

A lot of factors were at play — the Steelers understandably didn’t seem ready to commit to Fields being the starter for any period of time, and there was drama bubbling to the surface between Rodgers and the Jets — but in both cases, each team could’ve easily brought back their respective quarterbacks if they really wanted to.

But they didn’t.

Both players and teams will have something to prove in that Week 1 game. Fields still has work to do to prove he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and the Jets are hoping he and the team’s new coaching regime can finally put the franchise back on the right track — something Rodgers couldn’t do last season.

As for Rodgers, his legacy as a player is secure, but he’s on the precipice of retirement and trying to remain a relevant, quality starter. The Steelers are hoping the experience the four-time MVP and former Super Bowl champion brings can result in Pittsburgh’s first playoff win since the 2016-17 season.

Two franchises with something to prove. Two quarterbacks with something to prove. And one of those quarterbacks is Aaron Rodgers, who’s no stranger to making waves in the media.

The storylines ahead of the Steelers-Jets Week 1 game are going to be a whole lot of fun. And while optimism around Pittsburgh’s upcoming season might not be drastically raised with the Rodgers signing, one thing is a near-guarantee: 2025 just got a lot more entertaining for Steelers fans.

The four-time MVP is coming to Pittsburgh

After months of speculation and wondering when the saga will end, it has finally ended.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Adam Schefter of ESPN, Aaron Rodgers has informed the Pittsburgh Steelers that he plans to sign with the team and attend mandatory minicamp.

Schefter adds that the Steelers never lost faith that Rodgers would sign with Pittsburgh.

“ [The] Steelers never wavered in their belief that Aaron Rodgers eventually would sign with Pittsburgh,” Schefter said. “Steelers HC Mike Tomlin loomed large in this entire situation. Tomlin was a drawing card for Rodgers, and was happy to work within Rodgers’ timeline. He is a major reason that Rodgers will be a Steeler.”

The four-time MVP will now officially be the Steelers’ quarterback after months of speculation. He joins an offense that features the newly-acquired DK Metcalf, rookie Kaleb Johnson, and a defense that still features several stars that will make a push to end the eight year drought of no playoff wins.

Rodgers is flying to Pittsburgh Friday.

The wait is over.

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers has informed the Pittsburgh Steelers that he will sign with the team soon — flying to Pittsburgh Friday to sign before veteran mandatory minicamp.

Per Pelissero, the parameters of Rodgers’ contract have been in place for “months.” He’s informed teams he’ll play for $20 million, but the deal still needs to be finalized.

Rodgers is 41 years old, a 10-time Pro Bowler, a four-time first-team All-Pro, a four-time NFL MVP, and a Super Bowl champion. He’s seventh all-time in the NFL in passing yards, less than 2,000 yards away from marks set by Phillip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger.

Last season with the New York Jets, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

The Aaron Rodgers saga is nearing its expected conclusion. The future Hall of Famer has informed the Steelers he will sign with them, Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report.

To no surprise, Rapoport adds this will be a one-year deal. Rodgers will fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow, allowing him to sign ahead of next week’s minicamp. The four-time MVP will thus handle starting duties for 2025 as the Steelers look to upgrade their play under center on a short-term basis.

Uncertainty has clouded this situation throughout the offseason, but for quite some time signs have exclusively pointed to this arrangement taking place. Pittsburgh’s initial intention was to keep one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields in place as a holdover from the team’s 2024 QB setup. Instead, Fields left for the Jets in free agency while Wilson (preferring not to wait for Rodgers to make his decision) will handle starting duties for the Giants.

Since losing both of their quarterbacks from the previous campaign, the Steelers have been connected to Rodgers. After two years with the Jets – one which ended after four snaps due to an Achilles tear and one which was marred by inconsistent play and turmoil in the organization – he was released. The manner in which Rodgers was informed of the decision by the new Jets regime was not well-received, but a first career foray into free agency brought with it conversations with a number of teams. The Giants were among them, although the team’s preference was to use the 2025 draft as a means of finding a long-term solution under center.

The Vikings represented a potential destination as well, with Rodgers informing them they were his preferred landing spot. After allowing Sam Darnold to depart in free agency, though, Minnesota is prepared to move forward with 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy under center. In mid-March, the possibility was raised that Rodgers would either sign with the Vikings or retire. Neither route has been taken.

Shortly after that report emerged, a free agent visit took place in which Rodgers went to the Steelers’ facility. That did not produce an agreement, but a contract offer was made. While continuing to weigh the option of hanging up his cleats – and focusing his attention on a personal matter – the longtime Packers star mainly remained quiet with respect to public comments on his future. Clearly, Rodgers’ off-the-field situation has now reached a point where he is committed to suiting up for a 21st season in the NFL.

The Steelers have Skylar Thompson on their quarterback depth chart, and the team reunited with Mason Rudolph in free agency. The latter (who totaled 21 appearances and 13 starts across his first Pittsburgh stint) was made aware before signing of the possibility a deal such as this was a distinct possibility. The team aimed to have a firm Rodgers answer before April’s draft took place, but even without one Pittsburgh operated as though he would eventually arrive. Indeed, owner Art Rooney II expressed optimism on that front multiple times while the Steelers’ only rookie addition came in the form of sixth-rounder Will Howard.

Late last month, Rodgers hinted further that he would spend the 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh. The 41-year-old has already worked out with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf this offseason while remaining in constant contact with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (whom ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes was a key factor in Rodgers’ decision). No firm timeline was ever established for a deal to be worked out, and missed reps at OTAs are certainly far from ideal. Realistically, though, upcoming minicamp represented a logical deadline for Rodgers to report to the team and begin acclimating to OC Arthur Smith‘s scheme.

Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement following the 2021 campaign, the Steelers have been unable to find an effective replacement under center. Given Rodgers’ age, he will of course not be seen as a long-term solution at the position. Next year’s draft – which will take place in Pittsburgh, no less – looms as one to watch with respect to another notable rookie investment on the team’s part.

In the meantime, another postseason berth will be the goal for Tomlin and Co. The Steelers have never posted a sub-.500 record during his tenure, but playoff success has proven hard to come by dating back to the waning stages of Roethlisberger’s decorated career. If healthy, Rodgers could give the team’s offense its highest floor in years. Considering his age, declining mobility and production since the start of the 2022 season, however, it very much remains to be seen how effective his debut Steelers season will be.

One of the impacts of today’s news is the fact Pittsburgh will no longer be in the market for Kirk Cousins. The Falcons have consistently stated their preference to keep him as a backup, but the four-time Pro Bowler has aimed for a change of scenery all offseason. The Steelers were keeping tabs on a potential trade while awaiting word from Rodgers, their preferred target for a short-term addition. Now, Cousins can essentially be locked into remaining with Atlanta unless a starting quarterback is injured this summer.

Rodgers’ legacy will be dictated in large part by the success of his Packers stint. To say the least, though, things did not go according to plan during his Jets tenure. How this third chapter of his career plays out will be one of the league’s more interesting storylines.

Could the Steelers make a move for an All-Pro WR

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made several moves when it comes to pass-catchers this offseason, and have been rumored to potentially make several more. They traded for DK Metcalf in March and then subsequently traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Over the last week, the Steelers have been rumored to potentially trade for Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, and also hosted free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis for a visit, though he left without signing a contract.

And while the Steelers haven’t found that other playmaker to complement Metcalf, a new potential trade target has emerged. Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin wants a new contract. According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, McLaurin left voluntary workouts, and it is unknown whether or not he will show up to mandatory minicamp.

Now, while it would be completely unexpected for the Commanders not to pay McLaurin and just outright trade him, he would certainly move the needle. Frankly, I’d be more excited about the 2026 season and setting up the future rookie quarterback with a great tandem of receivers, a good offensive line, and a good running back duo. For 2025, it would obviously be great, too, with Aaron Rodgers (probably) throwing to Metcalf and McLaurin. Should that come to fruition, the Steelers’ ceiling would go up.

Many may worry about the money side of things in terms of giving another receiver a big extension, but the Steelers have a projected $92.6 million in cap space in 2026, per OverTheCap – not having a quarterback on a huge deal frees up a lot of money. However, as previously stated, it would be a surprise if they somehow pulled off a trade for the Second-Team All-Pro.

The Steelers didn’t get a deal done with Gabe Davis, according to a recent report

The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted free-agent wide receiver Gabe Davis for a visit on Thursday, and the overwhelming belief was that the Steelers would sign the veteran wideout to a short-term deal to be their WR2 for the 2025 season. However, according to a recent report from Chris Halicke of DK Pittsburgh Sports, a deal did not get done.

Per Halicke, Davis left Pittsburgh without signing a contract. He is coming off the worst year of his career, catching just 20 passes after signing a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was released after failing a physical. Davis spent the first four seasons of his career in Buffalo with the Bills as Josh Allen’s No. 2 man opposite Stefon Diggs. During that span, he caught 27 touchdowns.

His shining moment came in the 2022 divisional round classic between Buffalo and the Kansas City Chiefs where he caught four touchdowns in the Bills’ losing effort to the Chiefs.

The Steelers clear a roster space for a new signing

It was announced on Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers were signing veteran safety Quindell Johnson, who had spent time with the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers prior to joining the Steelers. To make way for this move, the Steelers are releasing defensive back Joshua Bledsoe, the team announced.

Bledsoe hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game since 2023. In his career, he’s appeared in four regular-season games with the New England Patriots after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Missouri. In four years with the Tigers, he had 18 pass deflections and one interception.

The Steelers’ defensive back room is still filled with guys trying to crack roster spots, most notably speedy seventh-round pick Donte Kent out of Central Michigan. Undrafted free agent Sebastian Castro out of Iowa, and veteran James Pierre are other names to watch as fringe roster guys as we count down to training camp.

The Steelers seem ready for Gabe Davis to arrive

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting wide receiver Gabe Davis for a visit on Thursday. The veteran wideout is coming off a down year in Jacksonville with the Jaguars, catching just 20 passes and being let go by the Jaguars after signing a three-year deal last offseason.

Prior to 2024, though, Davis proved himself as a reliable No. 2 wide receiver who is a more than willing and capable blocker in the run game with the Buffalo Bills. In four seasons with Buffalo, Davis caught 163 passes for 2,730 yards and 27 touchdowns.

While some may not see the signing as much of a needle mover, at least one Steelers wideout is on board with the signing. Roman Wilson said he would welcome Gabe Davis joining the Steelers.

“I’ll welcome him with open arms,” Wilson said via Aaron Becker of Steelers Now. “My biggest motivation is myself.”

Wilson is under pressure to become a big part of the Steelers’ offense after they drafted him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He played just five snaps last season, and will need to have a terrific showing to prove he can be a long-term weapon for the Steelers.