Aaron Rodgers reports to Steelers minicamp on June 10, 2025, but T.J. Watt is a no-show. Get the latest on the QB's arrival and the star's contract holdout.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for Steelers fans on Tuesday. The long-awaited arrival of Aaron Rodgers became a reality as he officially reported for mandatory minicamp, contract signed and ready to work. But as one superstar entered the building, another stayed away. Star pass rusher T.J. Watt is officially holding out, skipping the mandatory sessions as he seeks a new contract, setting up a dramatic storyline that will dominate the summer.
Obviously, he's a legend in his own right. His pedigree speaks for itself.
The speculation is over. After missing voluntary OTAs while his deal was finalized, Aaron Rodgers made his first official appearance in black and gold, having signed his one-year, $13.65 million contract over the weekend. The energy was palpable, with teammates openly expressing their excitement. 'We're excited that we have another guy to join the team, join the mission, join the cause,' said offensive lineman Calvin Anderson. The buzz extends beyond the locker room; Rodgers' jerseys have already sold out at the team store, a clear sign that Steeler Nation is fully embracing their new quarterback. All eyes will be on Rodgers' post-practice press conference later today as he addresses the media for the first time as a Steeler.
While the offense welcomed its new leader, the defense was missing its heart and soul. T.J. Watt made his intentions clear by skipping the start of mandatory minicamp, a significant escalation in his push for a new contract. According to NFL insiders Mike Garafolo and Adam Schefter, Watt is 'willing to be fined' to prove how serious he is about securing a long-term deal. This isn't just a negotiating tactic; it's a statement. For a player who embodies the team's hard-nosed identity, his absence creates a noticeable void and puts immense pressure on the front office to get a deal done before training camp.
Amid the contract drama, there was some fantastic news for the unit tasked with protecting Rodgers. Troy Fautanu, last year's first-round pick who tragically missed his rookie season with a knee injury, is back and slotting in at right tackle. This is a huge development, not just for Fautanu's comeback story but for the entire line, as it allows Broderick Jones to shift back to his natural left tackle position. 'Being back on the left, I feel like it's a bigger boost for me,' Jones said. Fautanu himself sounds ready to prove his worth after a long recovery. 'I feel like that's what made me stronger and that's what's gonna make me play the best I can for this team,' he stated. A healthy Fautanu and a comfortable Jones could transform this offensive line.
The day wasn't without somber news. The team announced that tight end Donald Parham Jr. will miss the entire 2025-26 season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon. Parham, who had been described as a key offensive piece, has been placed on injured reserve. It's a brutal blow for a player looking to make a major impact and a significant hit to the team's depth at the position. The focus now is on Parham's recovery, while the team will have to figure out how to fill the void he leaves behind.
The first day of minicamp has set the stage for the rest of the Steelers' offseason. The excitement surrounding Aaron Rodgers is real, but so is the anxiety over T.J. Watt's contract. How the team navigates these two massive storylines—integrating a legendary quarterback while securing their defensive cornerstone—will ultimately define their path to the postseason. For now, Pittsburgh holds its breath, celebrating one arrival while waiting anxiously for another.
