Steelers Shock Fans by Signing Aaron Rodgers and Betting Big on a Playoff Comeback

In a move that’s dividing Steelers Nation, Aaron Rodgers has officially agreed to a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking one of the most talked-about quarterback acquisitions of the offseason. The news, confirmed Thursday by the team, comes after months of speculation and backchannel negotiations. And while the Steelers’ front office is celebrating, many fans are still grappling with mixed emotions.

Rodgers, 41, arrives in Pittsburgh with a Hall of Fame résumé and a rollercoaster past two seasons. After a torn Achilles derailed his 2023 debut with the New York Jets, he returned to post a respectable 3,897 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in 2024—yet also threw 11 interceptions and ranked just 25th in QBR. For a franchise starved of playoff success since 2016, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Fan sentiment has been a mixed bag. Social media polls revealed that up to 70% of Steelers fans opposed the move after Rodgers aired grievances and conspiracy theories during a controversial appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” Many view the veteran quarterback as a mercenary chasing one last shot at glory. And Rodgers didn’t help his case by dragging out the decision for over two months, prompting Steelers defensive star Cam Heyward to publicly question his commitment.

Despite the uproar, team insiders say Mike Tomlin was instrumental in keeping the door open for Rodgers. The longtime head coach reportedly maintained close communication with the quarterback, reassuring him the franchise would work on his timeline. That trust appears to have paid off. Rodgers is now expected to report to training camp next week and has already thrown privately with newly acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf, who joined the team via trade with Seattle.

As the ink dries, the Rodgers deal is already making waves in the betting markets. Pittsburgh’s odds to win the AFC North improved from +550 to +500, and their playoff odds ticked up from +150 to +140. They are now favored by 3 points in their Week 1 showdown against the Jets—a game that will pit Rodgers against the very team that let him go.

While Pittsburgh passed on top quarterback prospects in the draft and chose to re-sign Mason Rudolph as a safety net, the message is clear: the team is all-in on Rodgers, flaws and all. They even waited until the sixth round to select Ohio State’s Will Howard, a sign they’re planning for the present more than the future.

Steelers fans may remain divided for now, but as history has often proven in sports—winning heals all wounds. If Rodgers can guide this squad to January success, the doubters may be cheering his name come winter.