The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason is finally basking in a little sunshine. After months of swirling uncertainty and a handful of eyebrow-raising roster moves, the franchise made a headline-grabbing splash — and perhaps its most important move in recent memory.
A glaring void at quarterback had Steelers GM Omar Khan working around the clock to find a solution. His persistence paid off.
On Thursday, the Steelers officially announced that four-time All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers would be joining the team on a one-year, $13.65 million deal with 10 million guaranteed. It’s a bold swing — one that could define not only the 2025 season, but also the trajectory of the franchise’s future.
Rodgers made his first appearance in black and gold during a mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. His message? Clear and heartfelt. Not only is he here to compete, but he’s also here to leave something behind.
Starting with Will Howard.
“Will’s a good kid,” Rodgers said, referring to sixth-round draft pick Will Howard. “Thought he looked good today… I’m gonna be with him every single day and every single meeting… I’m gonna help him out as much as I can.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers can rely on Aaron Rodgers to groom Will Howard effectively
That statement hit me harder than any throw he made on the practice field. As exciting as it is to see a quarterback of Rodgers' caliber wearing the Black and Gold, the truth is undeniable: he’s 41 years old. He can’t play forever — and he knows it.
But he can pass the torch the right way, something the Steelers desperately need.
In the past, the transition between quarterbacks hasn’t always been smooth in Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger, for all his greatness, wasn’t known for mentoring the next man up.
It's probably because he was thrown into the fire quickly. Rodgers, on the other hand, seems fully committed to shaping the future — not just surviving the present.
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That’s why this deal is more than just a short-term Band-Aid. With Rodgers leading the way and mentoring Howard, Pittsburgh might finally be setting itself up for long-term success under center.
Howard once considered a contingency plan, now has the opportunity to develop under one of the greatest minds in the position.
It’s rare to see a future Hall of Famer willingly embrace the role of teacher. But if Rodgers truly invests in this mentorship, it could be his most enduring contribution to the franchise.
When his one year in Pittsburgh is over — whether it ends with a Lombardi Trophy or not — Aaron Rodgers might leave behind something more valuable: a ready gunslinger, and a team prepared for the next era.