PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided a promising update on negotiations with free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, sources told ESPN on May 16, 2025. With OTAs underway, Tomlin shared that the team is now just waiting for Rodgers’ final decision.
Tomlin confirmed that the Steelers have offered Rodgers a contract he deems “very fair.” “We’ve put a strong deal on the table,” Tomlin told reporters at Acrisure Stadium. “It’s up to Aaron now. We’ve done our part.” The coach expressed confidence in the ongoing talks, which began after Rodgers’ visit on March 21.
According to Over The Cap, the Steelers have $32 million in cap space for 2025. Sources indicate the team offered Rodgers a one-year deal worth $25 million, with incentives that could push it to $28 million. This leaves room for extensions like T.J. Watt’s projected $40 million per year deal, ensuring financial flexibility.
Rodgers, 41, threw 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions with the Jets in 2024, despite a 5-12 record. His experience and leadership are exactly what Tomlin believes the Steelers need. “Aaron is the perfect choice to lead our current group of young QBs,” Tomlin emphasized, highlighting the team’s vision.
The Steelers’ quarterback room is in flux after losing Russell Wilson to the Giants and Justin Fields to the Jets. Mason Rudolph is the interim QB1, but rookie Will Howard—a sixth-round pick with 4,010 college passing yards in 2024—needs mentorship to develop into a franchise QB, per The Athletic.
Tomlin’s urgency to sign Rodgers stems from the team’s 7-year playoff win drought, with their last victory in 2016. A 2024 Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills (4-13) extended the streak. Rodgers, a four-time MVP, could elevate the offense, ranked 24th in passing yards (186.1 per game), per PFF.
Fans on X buzzed with anticipation, as @Blitz_Burgh posted, “Rodgers mentoring Howard? Let’s go!” Ian Rapoport noted, “Tomlin’s all-in on Rodgers to break the playoff curse.” With DK Metcalf and Mike Hilton bolstering the roster, the Steelers see Rodgers as a game-changer.
As the wait continues, Tomlin remains optimistic. A signed Rodgers could guide Howard and spark a postseason breakthrough, potentially ending Pittsburgh’s long playoff woes and setting the stage for a new era.
