Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is said to be intending to join the Pittsburgh Steelers.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, referencing sources, reports that Rodgers, 41, informed the Steelers he plans to travel to Pittsburgh on Friday and finalize his signing prior to next week’s minicamp. Ian Rapoport indicates it will be a deal for one year.
Rodgers and the Steelers initiated discussions when the NFL’s legal tampering period started before free agency. The New York Jets let him go when the new league year started on March 12.
The agreement between the Steelers and Rodgers started gaining momentum as the demand for a starting quarterback quickly diminished when Justin Fields and Sam Darnold finalized deals with different teams. The Steelers also lost Russell Wilson, who joined the Giants.
The Steelers face the Jets in their season opener on Sept. 7, creating a clash between Rodgers and Fields.
The Steelers also acquired other quarterbacks in addition to Rodgers this offseason. The team signed Mason Rudolph, a former 2018 draft selection, to a two-year deal after he spent last season with the Tennessee Titans.
Prior to spending two seasons with the Jets, the four-time MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion quarterback played 18 seasons for the Green Bay Packers and currently ranks seventh on the NFL’s all-time passing yards leaderboard.
Over his career, Rodgers has passed for 62,952 yards and achieved 503 touchdowns. In the previous season, he recorded 28 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions while amassing 3,897 yards.
Steelers’ lineup experiencing adjustments due to free agency activities.
Dan Moore Jr., Justin Fields, Elandon Roberts, Donte Jackson, and Najee Harris left the Steelers to join new teams.
Rodgers’ rise as a contender for the Steelers’ starting quarterback position coincides with the team’s overhaul of their wide receiver group. They acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf and signed him to a new deal valued at $150 million.
In the meantime, running back Jaylen Warren has been offered a second-round tender exceeding $5.3 million for the next season, while the Steelers have also added cornerback Darius Slay and linebacker Malik Harrison. The Steelers have additionally signed ex-Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell to join Warren.