Aaron Rodgers is set to begin his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, having signed a one-year contract worth $13.6 million in June. Although fans are eager to see the veteran quarterback in action, Rodgers might not appear in the team’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Saturday, unless head coach Mike Tomlin decides otherwise.
The Steelers’ preseason game could offer an early test of Rodgers’ chemistry with the offense and his ability to lead scoring drives. However, reports indicate Rodgers may hold back from playing, preferring to ease into his new role cautiously.
According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Rodgers commented on his expected participation, stating,
“Aaron Rodgers says he doesn’t think it’s the plan for him to play against Jacksonville in the first preseason game on Saturday, but he’s happy to play if that’s what Mike Tomlin wants.”
—Brooke Pryor, ESPN
Rodgers’ recent performance and Steelers’ quarterback transition
Last season, Rodgers returned from a season-ending Achilles injury sustained early in his tenure with the New York Jets in 2023. He completed 368 passes for 3,897 yards, including 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 17 games. Despite these solid numbers, his team managed only five wins, which contributed to his departure.
In Pittsburgh, Rodgers replaces both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as the starting quarterback. The Steelers have invested high hopes in the four-time NFL MVP to break their nine-year playoff victory drought and elevate the team‘s competitive standing.
Rodgers embracing the Steelers’ culture and mindset
Unlike his time with previous teams, Aaron Rodgers is reportedly fully committing to the Steelers’ organizational culture and goals. Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline highlighted Rodgers’ efforts to integrate with the club on and off the field.
Pauline wrote,
“It’s different this time, as I am told it’s Rodgers who’s worked to ingratiate himself into the Steelers organization, and the quarterback is buying into the Pittsburgh mentality.”
—Tony Pauline, Sportskeeda
He also noted,
“I’m told that, from the players on the roster to the non-coaching staff, Rodgers has worked hard to meld into the organization, and thus far it’s worked. There is also an unspoken belief that this is the final stop for Rodgers, as many believe he will retire after the season, and he wants as well as needs to make it count.”
—Tony Pauline, Sportskeeda
Potential impact of Rodgers’ role this season
The arrival of Aaron Rodgers marks a critical juncture for the Steelers, who are aiming to end a nearly decade-long playoff win drought. His seasoned leadership and experience are expected to provide a boost not only to the offense but also to the wider team mentality. How Rodgers handles the preseason and regular season will be closely watched, as it could define his legacy and the team’s future success.
Should Rodgers maintain his current approach, holding off from unnecessary preseason play unless requested, it could reflect a careful strategy to preserve his health for the regular season push. With the quarterback embracing the Pittsburgh mentality, this season might indeed be his last, making every game particularly meaningful.