Pittsburgh Steelers open 2025 camp as Aaron Rodgers makes his debut and T.J. Watt signs a historic extension. Get the first look at the new-look Steelers.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The wait is over. The Pittsburgh Steelers have returned to Latrobe, and the 2025 season kicked off with two franchise-altering developments. All eyes were on Aaron Rodgers as he took his first snaps in black and gold, while T.J. Watt solidified his legendary status by signing a historic contract extension, once again making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the entire league. It's a new day in Pittsburgh, and the energy is palpable.
T.J. Watt inks a 3-year, $123 million extension, with a staggering $108 million guaranteed, locking in the defensive cornerstone.
Every throw was scrutinized, every step analyzed. Aaron Rodgers' first official day as a Steeler didn't disappoint in the drama department. His very first pass in team drills? An interception, snagged by new linebacker Patrick Queen. But if you think that dampened the mood, you don't know A-Rod. 'I’m going to throw some picks... But I’m going to throw some touchdowns too,' he told reporters with a characteristic confidence. This is the Rodgers experience: unflappable, cerebral, and ready to elevate the entire offense. His presence alone has transformed the atmosphere, bringing a Super Bowl-winning pedigree to a team hungry for a deep playoff run.
While Rodgers commanded the offensive spotlight, the biggest news of the day belonged to the defense. T.J. Watt and the Steelers agreed to a massive 3-year, $123 million extension, including $108 million in guaranteed money. For the second time in his career, Watt is the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. The deal ensures the perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate remains the heart and soul of the Steelers' defense through his prime, a move that signals the front office is all-in on winning now. With Watt and fellow defensive stars like Jalen Ramsey and Payton Wilson, this unit is poised to be terrifying for opposing offenses.
The camp is buzzing with new talent, and they're already embracing the Steeler Way. Former Browns safety Juan Thornhill couldn't stop smiling as he praised the incredible fan turnout at Saint Vincent. When asked about his transition, he didn't mince words, declaring, 'It's great. I'm on the better side. That's all that matters.' That sentiment echoes throughout the facility as rookies like Kaleb Johnson and Mason McCormick get their first taste of NFL action, and veterans like Robert Woods join a heated wide receiver battle alongside Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III.
For all the star power, the Steelers' success in 2025 hinges on the big men up front. The development of the offensive line, particularly rookie Mason McCormick, is a critical storyline. The unit needs to create a clean pocket for Rodgers and open lanes in the running game. On the injury front, the news is mostly positive. The only notable absence is starting guard Isaac Seumalo, who was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list to start camp. While his return is important, avoiding a wave of early injuries is a major win for the team.
The first day of camp set a clear tone: the Steelers are aiming high. With a future Hall of Famer under center and the league's best defender locked in for the long haul, the pieces are in place. The next few weeks will be about building chemistry and sorting out key position battles. But the first true test is already looming on the horizon: a Week 1 showdown against the New York Jets and a familiar face in Justin Fields. After suffering a minor toe injury, Fields is expected to be ready for a 'revenge game' of epic proportions for both quarterbacks. The Rodgers era has begun, and it starts with a bang.
