The Pittsburgh Steelers officially signed QB Aaron Rodgers on June 26, 2025. Can the veteran MVP fix the team's offense and lead them back to contention?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It's the day Pittsburgh has been waiting for. On Thursday, June 26, the Steelers officially handed the keys to the franchise to Aaron Rodgers, signing the four-time MVP to a one-year contract. The move marks a seismic shift for a team desperate to climb out of offensive mediocrity and back into Super Bowl contention, immediately raising the stakes for the 2025 season.
A recent study underscores the Steelers' persistent struggles to score on opening drives... with the addition of Aaron Rodgers, expectations are high that this trend will change in 2025.
The ink is dry and the deal is done. Aaron Rodgers is a Pittsburgh Steeler. After a 2024 season plagued by offensive inconsistency, the front office has made its most aggressive move in years. Rodgers' veteran leadership and legendary arm are seen as the cure for what has ailed the team. This isn't just about adding a competent quarterback; it's about acquiring a signal-caller who can single-handedly elevate the entire unit and make the Steelers a legitimate threat in the AFC.
One of Rodgers' first unofficial assignments will be to break one of the team's most frustrating habits: the inability to score on opening drives. A recent analysis highlighted this multi-season drought as a key reason for the team's struggles. Fans are banking on Rodgers' career-long efficiency and pre-snap command to finally put points on the board early, setting a new tone for games right from the opening kickoff.
The excitement around Rodgers was tempered by some tough news. Tight end Donald Parham Jr.'s season is over before it began after he suffered a torn Achilles in practice. He was officially placed on injured reserve, a significant blow to the offense as he was expected to be a key target. In other moves, the team released safety Joshuah Bledsoe and brought in Quindell Johnson on a one-year deal, continuing to fine-tune the roster's depth ahead of training camp.
As if the day wasn't busy enough, trade rumors continue to swirl. Speculation about a potential T.J. Watt trade, possibly for a top-tier receiver like Washington's Terry McLaurin, persists. However, most analysts believe trading the defensive cornerstone would be a massive mistake. The front office is also reportedly exploring other receiver options like Amari Cooper, which could mean rookie Roman Wilson will be counted on to step into a major role sooner rather than later. These rumors show the Steelers may not be done making big moves.
It was a whirlwind Thursday for Steelers Nation, a day that officially ushered in a new era of sky-high expectations while simultaneously delivering a harsh dose of NFL reality. With Aaron Rodgers in the building, the focus now shifts to training camp. Can he truly elevate this offense? Will the team make another major move at receiver or with T.J. Watt? One thing is certain: the 2025 season just became the most anticipated in recent memory.
